William Gear

(1915–1997)
William Gear was a Scottish painter and a significant contributor to the modern abstract movement across Europe. In the early 1950s, he joined the seminal avant-garde group CoBrA (Copenhagen, Brussels, Amsterdam), whose ethos was rooted in spontaneity and expressive freedom. Gear exhibited with them before pursuing a successful career in his own right. From 1958 to 1964, he served as curator of the Towner Gallery in Eastbourne, greatly enhancing its reputation, while continuing to paint prolifically. His work, marked by vibrant colour, bold geometry, and layered texture, remains a cornerstone of post-war British art and a focus for discerning collectors.