The Glasgow School of Art is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David Harding. David made a critical contribution to art practice and education from the 1960s working in primary and secondary schools in Scotland before becoming a driving force in art education within higher education.
An acclaimed artist in his own right, David’s ground breaking work as town artist in Glenrothes in the late 1960s in one of the first examples of socially engaged practice in a community and civic context including the establishment with the Glenrothes Development Corporation of a postgraduate scheme to employ artists on a yearly basis.
Throughout the 1970s David advised local authorities and new towns across the UK on the setting up of ‘Town Artists’. This work sat alongside his own practice, with public artwork in Falkirk, Paisley, South Uist, Nigeria, Galashiels, Hamilton, Edinburgh and Glasgow. He also exhibited his work across Scotland including at the National Gallery of Scotland.
Taking his practice in to the art school environment, David established the ground-breaking Environmental Art programme at the GSA. Under his leadership, the programme produced some of the UK’s most influential contemporary artists. The GSA recognised David’s contribution to art education and his work, awarding him in 2018 an Honorary Doctorate.
“David’s legacy as an artist, educator and passionate advocate of socially engaged practice is evidenced across towns and cities in the UK and internationally whether through his own work or the work of the many students who he taught and inspired with generosity and rigor.” said Professor Penny Macbeth, Director and Principal of The Glasgow School of Art.
“An important part of the GSA from 1986 to his retirement in 2001, the GSA and Glasgow’s standing as a centre for contemporary art practice is in many ways down to the significant contribution David made as a colleague, teacher, artist and friend to generations of students and staff at the GSA. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.”
At this very sad time, the thoughts of the GSA community are with David’s family and friends.
