Ian Hamilton Finlay

A philosopher, sculptor and poet, Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925–2006) reinvigorated the classical tradition in a body of work that encompasses a variety of creative forms to celebrate the sustaining power of words. His diverse production encompassed a variety of creative forms including prints, poems, books, inscriptions, neons, sculptures, permanent installations and landscape design. The purest kind of conceptual artist, Finlay was sensitive to the formalist concerns (colour, shape, scale, texture, composition) of literary and artistic modernism. For almost forty years, he formed his works using philosophical texts, myths, characters and images from the past to make enigmatic juxtapositions and in so doing new thoughts. Finlay's adept use of syntax and narrative configuration weaved refined distinctions with a lyrical philosophy. His skill lay in his unique ability to break down complex ideas into coherent single words and short phrases, infused with Finlay's characteristic wit and, often, wry humour.

In 1961 he founded the Wild Hawthorn Press with Jessie McGuffie and within a few years had established himself internationally as Britain's foremost concrete poet. His publications continue to play an important role in the dissemination of his work as a visual artist. As a sculptor, he worked collaboratively in a wide range of materials, having his concepts executed as stone-carvings, as constructed objects and neon lighting. From the mid-1960s Finlay lived and worked at Stonypath, south-west of Edinburgh, where he transformed the surrounding rural acres into a unique garden and life's work: Little Sparta. Ian Hamilton Finlay died 27 March 2006, aged 80.

About the Artist

Ian Hamilton Finlay was born in 1925 in Nassau, Bahamas. He died 27 March 2006, aged 80. Recent solo exhibitions include The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, UK (2025); Hill Art Foundation, New York, USA (2024); City Arts Centre, Edinburgh, UK (2021); St Pauls Cathedral, London, UK (2016) and Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, UK (2016).

Finlay’s work is in permanent collections including the British Museum, London; Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow; Laumeier Sculpture Park, St Louis, USA; Museum of Modern Art, New York; Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, Paris; Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh; Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh; Tate, London and Victoria & Albert Museum, London.