Alberto Morrocco RSA 1917-1998

Alberto Morrocco was born in Aberdeen of Italian parents. Studied at Gray's School of Art there in 1932-38, then following year travelling and studying on the continent. In 1942 won the RSA's Guthrie Award. From 1946-50 Morrocco was a part time teacher at Gray's School, becoming head of painting at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee from 1950. Won the Medaglio d'Oro, San Vito in Italy in 1957. Morrocco was a member of Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts and RSW. Elected RSA in 1962. Had a British Council show in Aberdeen in 1949, others following at Compass Gallery in Glasgow, retrospective at Dundee Art Gallery in 1981, a series at Thackeray Galelry. Memorial show at Scottish Gallery in 1999. Lived in Dundee. The University of Dundee awarded Morrocco an honorary doctorate in 1980. He painted all its Principals and, in 1977, the Queen Mother as Chancellor. He was awarded the San Vita Romano Prize and both the Guthrie and Carnegie Award of the RSA, where he was elected Fellow in 1962. In addition to the degree from Dundee University, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Stirling University in 1987. He served on the Scottish Arts Council and the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland and was appointed OBE in 1993. His work is represented in a number of public art galleries (see Art UK).