alexander millar’s formative years were spent in springside, a mining community near kilmarnock in scotland. the scenes he saw around him every day have informed his artwork, both in content and style. industrial landscapes, working men in suits, women with tartan headscarves, bicycle commutes, and more are all part of his instantly recognisable style.

millar’s upbringing results in the classic, humble and nostalgic scenes of his work. he grew up in a time of financial difficulties, in a town that was unable to keep up with the progress of the modern world.

after leaving springside, millar settled in newcastle-upon-tyne. he became a professional artist in 1988, using his memories as a basis for his artwork. the characters from his past and the humour in everyday scenes continued to guide his work. he recalls the amusement in watching a street drunk: “i love the almost choreographed movements of the street drunk with his vertically challenged, about to fall over but never quite does it routine – to me it is every bit as entertaining as swan lake.”