WILLIAM GEAR
‘There was always a link with nature, I never denied nature really. Even in those extreme abstract themes we have been looking at, there is an equivalence to, observable form. I don’t say nature in the naturalistic sense but of observable forms. They may be telegraph poles or stakes or trees or structures or, as I am looking out the window now, I mean, I can see, I can see my painting in two or three different ways. There is the severe architectural modern structure over there and at the same time trees and foliage and blossom and light through the tree. I mean, there is my painting you see. This is where it comes from. I don’t necessarily sit down and paint that, but I am aware of it.’
About William Gear (1915–1997)
William Gear was born in Methil, Fife, in 1915, the son of a coal miner, and his upbringing in a working-class family shaped his grounded outlook and determination. Winning the Dux Arts Medal at Buckhaven High School in 1932 signaled the start of a remarkable artistic journey.
Gear studied at the Edinburgh College of Art (1932–1936), where he trained alongside future greats like Wilhelmina Barns-Graham. A postgraduate scholarship allowed him to explore art history at the University of Edinburgh and embark on a life-changing tour of Europe. During this period, he studied under Fernand Léger in Paris, absorbing modernist influences that would later define his work.
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Discover the bold, vibrant world of William Gear, a pioneer of British abstraction and an artist celebrated globally for his dynamic forms and rich colors. From his involvement in the avant-garde CoBrA movement to his iconic works shown at the Venice Biennale and collected by the Tate, Gear's art is a testament to innovation and cultural significance.
Add a piece of history to your collection today. Shop William Gear's Artwork Here and own a masterpiece that bridges modernism, abstraction, and timeless creativity.
War Service and the Monuments Men
Gear’s career took an unexpected turn during World War II when he was called up for military service. Serving in the Royal Corps of Signals in the Middle East and Far East, he crossed paths with artist Merlyn Evans, forging a creative connection even in challenging circumstances.
As the war drew to a close, Gear became one of the esteemed "Monuments Men," part of the Allied Forces’ Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives (MFAA) section. This group of around 400 service members and civilians was tasked with protecting historic and cultural monuments from wartime destruction. They also worked to recover and return priceless works of art and cultural artifacts stolen by the Nazis or hidden for safekeeping.
The heroic efforts of the Monuments Men were immortaliSed in the 2014 film The Monuments Men. Gear's involvement in this mission not only preserved countless cultural treasures but also deepened his appreciation for the historical significance of art.
Paris, CoBrA, and Bold Abstraction
Between 1947 and 1950, Gear lived in Paris, immersing himself in the avant-garde scene. Here, he formed pivotal connections with artists like Jean Dubuffet and Alan Davie and joined the groundbreaking CoBrA group, a collective known for its emotional, spontaneous approach to abstraction. Exhibiting with CoBrA in Amsterdam and alongside Jackson Pollock in New York, Gear cemented his place in the international art conversation.
British Roots, Global Impact
Returning to Britain in 1950, Gear sparked controversy—and attention—when his painting Autumn Landscape won a prize at the 1951 Festival of Britain. This abstract work, filled with bold shapes and vibrant color, divided public opinion but signaled a shift toward modern art in the UK.
Throughout the 1950s, Gear achieved global acclaim. He participated in prestigious exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale and São Paulo Bienal, and was shown in group shows at the Dallas Museum of Art. His pioneering use of silk-screen printing made him a trailblazer in the British art world.
The Educator and Visionary
As curator of the Towner Art Gallery (1958–1964), Gear championed modern art, often in the face of local resistance. His bold acquisitions laid the groundwork for the gallery’s contemporary reputation. Later, as Head of Fine Art at Birmingham College of Art, he mentored a new generation of artists, blending innovation with tradition.
Why Collect William Gear?
William Gear’s art captures the spirit of mid-20th-century abstraction, blending bold colors, dynamic forms, and historical resonance. His connection to the CoBrA movement, his groundbreaking use of silk-screen printing, and his involvement in global exhibitions like the Venice Biennale make his works a striking addition to any collection.
Owning a piece of Gear’s art is an opportunity to engage with a pivotal chapter in modern art history—where creativity and cultural preservation intersect.
