Roger Billcliffe retires after five decades in Glasgow art scene

Billcliffe, 79, was appointed as director of the Fine Art Society Gallery in 1979 prior to opening his eponymous shop in 1992, which once spanned five floors and was Scotland’s largest private art gallery. 

Roger Billcliffe is retiring after a career as Glasgow gallery owner. (Image: Gordon Terris)

In a message to supporters, Billcliffe said: “As we enter our last few days of trading before we close on 31 December, I wanted to say how moved and uplifted I have been by the many messages of support and appreciation that we have received from artists and clients, many of you having become friends since I established the gallery back in 1992.

The renowned art critic and essayist added: “I know all of you will join with me in giving a huge thanks to my colleague, Michael Corsar, without whom I, at the very least, would not have coped with the burden of work involved in closure.

“I know from your cards and emails how much you have appreciated his friendly demeanour and irrepressible good humour over the last few weeks.

“I shall miss him and thank him for all of his extra care that has made this event bearable,” Billcliffe added.

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Speaking to Clare Henry in The Herald this week, Billcliffe reflected on his five-decade-long career and shared his plans for the future.

Henry wrote: “It’s a sad day for Glasgow, for the many artists he’s exhibited, also for the stream of art lovers who’ve enjoyed buying pictures from him.

“Billcliffe comes from Yorkshire. Maybe this accounts for his work ethic, accompanied by a happy ability to be in the right place at the right time.”