Alasdair Gray is one of the giants of Scottish Arts who has gained a reputation as a great writer, artist, notorious drunkard, irrascible interviewee and controversial essayist. In this intimate portrait, filmed over the course of 15 years, he has allowed himself to be filmed creating work that has become part of the living heritage of Scotland. This feature length documentary gets behind the hype, revealing a character who is by turns incisive, chaotic and laugh out loud funny.

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Jonah and the Whale
Gray restores one of his own murals in a private house, hidden under wallpaper for 40 years.

This is a clip from a longer project screened in the UK that was nominated for a Scottish Bafta in 2002. It was shot on a hand cranked clockwork camera.

A 25 minute documentary about the mural work of Scottish artist and writer Alasdair Gray.
The first sequence mainly concentrates on the discovery of his Jonah and the Whale mural in a private flat in Glasgow's west end.
The second sequence is mainly concerned with Alasdair's mural in the Scottish-Soviet Friendship Society.
The third clip features Alasdair's mural in the Ubiquitous Chip and the restoration of Jonah and Whale.
Part 4 looks at the ceiling painting in Abbott House in Dunfermline.
The final sequence is mainly concerned with the restoration of the Jonah work and Gray's hopes for the future.
The project was nominated for best documentary in the Scottish 2002 BAFTA's

Alasdair Gray in Shorts: films by other filmmakers (all links leave this site)

A wee bit about making
The Book of Prefaces a worker's anecdote and tribute

Magnificent Citizen

Spheres of Influence 1

The Gray Matter by Donny O'Rourke

Open University anecdotal account

25th anniversary of Bird of Paradise

Gray in Conversation with Alan Taylor [Radio]

Alasdair Gray interview - on painting and books

Gallery hosts Alasdair Gray show

Glasgow Subway Mural at Hillhead

Reading from Ends of Our Tethers