STAFF and students of Glasgow School of Art have united in mourning following the death of much-loved critical writer, teacher and former programme leader John Calcutt who has died aged 67.

John began work as full-time member of staff at Glasgow School of Art in 1987 teaching in the Department of Historical and Critical Studies in addition to supporting Master of Fine Art students as a dissertation supervisor, inspiring and mentoring hundreds of students including MFA alumni roster and Turner Prize winners.

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He then moved on to teach permanently on the MFA in 2005, and latterly made a huge contribution to the success of the MFA through a decade of programme leadership.

He also spent a period of time as Programme Leader for the GSA’s newly approved MLitt in Fine Art Practice, which he co-wrote, and he played a significant role in the bedding in of the programme in the GSA’s Masters portfolio

Although he was not an artist, John studied and wrote extensively on art for the entirety of his career also working as an art critic for Scotland on Sunday and The Guardian.

He was, for a time, associate curator at the Centre for Contemporary Arts.

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Given the depth of John’s experience the GSA was delighted that he continued to teach after stepping down as MFA Programme Leader in 2015.

In 2006, he was one of the nominator-researchers for the Beck’s Futures prize and one of the vetting panel for BBC 2’s School of Saatchi.

Professor Alastair Payne, Head of the School of Art Fine Art said: “John was a much loved and well respected member of the School of Fine Art and we understand just how keenly his passing will be felt by students, his colleagues and the creative community in Glasgow.

“We are deeply saddened by his loss especially his incredible talent to inspire those around him.”

Artist and current MFA tutor, Graham Ramsay added: “I knew John first when he taught me at GSA, then through his work as a curator and writer, and finally as a colleague when I joined the MFA teaching team some years later.

“We became firm friends, and it was a genuine pleasure to work with him.

“It’s true to say that he was a man of many hidden talents and catholic tastes. He also had a great sense of humour and a keen critical intelligence; often the two went hand in hand, but he was always a sensitive and generous critic.”

“John was eternally self-effacing despite the fact that his contributions to the art scene in Glasgow and beyond were huge. The flood of messages I’ve received over the past few days pay ample tribute to the influence he had over generations of artists and the high esteem in which he was held. He is already sorely missed.”

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GSA tutor, Professor Ross Sinclair said: “I first got to know John when he was my tutor during undergraduate Dissertation in the late ‘8-s at the GSA.

“I found someone in the depths of our dialogues and discussions who became my mentor and friend, an incisive and inspiring teacher who showed me that thinking and writing and talking about art could and should be open and accessible to anyone.

"John encouraged me to push at the limits of what was acceptable for dissertation, for writing, for thinking and for making art.”

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to count him as a colleague for almost 25 years. He was a highly respected and valuable presence in the institution and will be sorely missed. But apart from ‘work’ we were both possessed with a slightly over enthusiastic passions for guitars and would often chat about our wants, needs and somewhat sheepishly about our recent acquisitions. Keep on Rocking John, wherever you are.”

CCA Direcitor and GSA tutor, Francis McKee added:“Personally, John’s wit and intelligence are what I will remember most.

“As a colleague he was always a source of inspiration – I was constantly learning how to teach from watching him at work. A few weeks ago a student described her tutorial with him as vital – he offered searching questions and unique insights.

"He was incredibly modest about his achievements but I was always struck by the way in which he applied the critical tools of the MFA to his own thinking, constantly renewing his energy and enthusiasm for teaching. His calmness and tolerance sustained a playful and creative ambiance on the course that was appreciated by both staff and students."

Former Governor of the Glasgow School of Art and director of The Common Guild, Katrina Brown, shared words from the tutor.

She wrote: “Such sad news. RIP, John. We'll be seeing you around.”

Former alumni and artist Alison Watt said: “John Calcutt. Loved more than he knew. Completely irreplaceable.”

Sarah Lowndes added: “So sad much loved GSoA lecturer and writer John Calcutt has gone ahead.

“I see him now, striding along outside the Mack in his black leather coat, stopping on the corner to chat.

“He’d make a rolly, listening, then throw back his hair, smile and say, “The thing is…”

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Penny Anderson said: “So much sadness about John Calcutt. He was always kind nice and humorous. And he had still much to offer.

“He was always nice. He didn't even head my course (I wish!) And helped develop career and work of so many people I I know and/or admire.”

Robert Dallas Gray added: “A deep sense of loss this morning on hearing about the death of John Calcutt. Some people can touch your life so lightly but make such a deep impression.”

Craig Richardson wrote: “John Calcutt provided detailed and brilliant feedback to MFA students.

“He was a formative teacher. I say teacher rather than tutor. Teachers are overlooked.

“He was a vital presence from the 1980s but remained youthful. And guiding, helping. Missed.”

Queens Park Railway Club wrote: “John Calcutt, an inspiration, a force for good and for reason. He will be sorely missed.”

Rosie Galloway-Smith said: “So sad to hear about the passing of John Calcutt of Glasgow School of Art. It was a pleasure to partake in his Bureau de Change of ideas for postgraduate School of Fine Art students. A very interesting man. RIP.”