John Lowrie Morrison OBE (Jolomo)

John Lowrie Morrison OBE, also known as 'Jolomo' was born in Glasgow in 1948 and studied at Glasgow School of Art from 1967 - 71. He completed a Post Graduate course in 1972, also at the GSA and was awarded Year of Study. After studying teacher training at Jordanhill College, John taught Art and Design at Lochgilphead and other mid Argyll primary schools between 1973 and 1994. After working as an Education Officer and Art Adviser for Strathclyde Region for 3 years, John severed all links in 1997 to paint full time. Since then, as well as exhibiting in many hugely successful solo exhibitions, he has established the Jolomo Foundation and has been awarded honorary doctorates from the West of Scotland University in 2008 from the University of Abertay in 2009. In 2011, he was presented with an OBE for services to art and charity in Scotland by Her Majesty the Queen and in 2017 he was awarded 'The London Great Scot Lifetime Achievement Award' at the Savoy Hotel in London.

John was also ordained as a Lay Preacher by the Church of Scotland in 2002 and has recently preached to the Royal Family at Crathie Church, Balmoral.

One of Scotland's most iconic painters, internationally renowned Jolomo is known for his use of vivid colour, texture and capturing the light of his subject matter.