Alexander Graham Munro
Artist | Number 37
Alexander Graham Munro (1903-1985) was born in Midlothian and studied art at the Royal Scottish Academy. He continued his studies in Paris. He travelled widely in Europe and North Africa, producing beautiful landscapes in water colours and pastels.
He lived and painted for some time at Tetuan in northern Morocco.
Back in Scotland, he taught art at Loretto and Glenalmond Schools.
He was elected to the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolours in 1960. The Society make an annual travel award in his name to a young artist under thirty.
James Holloway, later to become head of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, arrived in Edinburgh in 1972. Looking to buy a house, he phoned its number , and found himself conversing with Graham's wife Ruth. It emerged firstly that he had misdialed and secondly that she and Graham were hugely keen to let their Heriot Row basement. She would brook no arguments, and he moved in the next week. They were kindly hosts and introduced him to many of their interesting friends and neighbours.
On one trip to London, James bought a large abstract painting, which he hung on his wall. When he returned later, he found that all Graham’s own landscapes had been taken down. Graham could not believe anyone who liked abstract art could possibly appreciate his work.
He travelled widely in Europe and North Africa, producing beautiful landscapes in water colours and pastels.