IN MEMORIAM. “THE ROBERTS”. 1977.

Dunsyre: Wild Hawthorn Press, 1977
12 x 9cm, 1pp. A list of seven painters are shown on a “in Memoriam” card. The first five of those named have had their Christian names changed to “Robert” whereas the last two – Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde – have retained their real names ie Robert.
Finlay had met Colquhoun and Macbryde at Glasgow School of Art during the 40s at a time when they were the most feted of Scottish artists. Sadly both died early in the 60s (within 3 years of each other) – they were lovers – and were known by most as “The Two Roberts”. By extending the roll call of “Roberts” Finlay is in some way placing his two acquaintances in the pantheon that includes Masson, Picabia, Ozenfant, Schwitters and Metzinger. VG+.