Gilles millionaire biography of william

John Maxwell, The Apple

William Gillies was a very sociable character despite his natural shyness.

He was first nominated for election as an Associate Member of the Royal Scottish Academy (ARSA) in the early 1930s by no lesser a figure than Samuel John Peploe RSA.

With the nomination seconded by Francis Campbell Beaulieu Cadell RSA, the form records their justification in his nomination; “the best of the young painters – should be encouraged.”

Gillies received further nominations from David Alison RSA (seconded by Henry Lintott RSA) and Robert Sivell (seconded by the sculptor Benno Schotz) before he was elected an Associate on 20 March 1940.

Over the next quarter century or so Gillies nominated the following; John Maxwell, Penelope Beaton, Robert H Westwater, Alberto Morrocco, Joan Eardley, Earl Haig, Charles Pulsford, John Houston, David Michie, Brenda Mark, David McClure, Alexander Campbell, and William Baillie.

Of these only Brenda