Celebrating the life of Glasgow’s Lost Genius

The event marks the centenary of his death, and is titled Alf Webster: Glasgow’s Lost Genius.

Alfred Alexander Webster was born at 40 Keir St in Pollokshields, and attended Pollokshields Parish Church, surrounded by windows by Stephen Adam, who would later become his friend and mentor.

Adam died and left his studio on Bath St to his protege — responsible for, among others, the stained glass windows at Cathcart South Church.

However, Webster’s life was cut short by the First World War, and he died of injuries sustained on the front line.

Great-granddaughter Miranda Webster commented: “He was brave and took risks as an artist. Probably in that day and age, it wasn’t a straightforward career choice. I think he was pushing boundaries.”

Torsten Haak, director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, added: “Our Gilded Age conferences will highlight Glasgow as a centre of decorative art and design during the 19th and 20th century — a fact which has not been recognised enough.”

The event takes place on November 6 at Websters,the Kelvinbridge theatre named after the artist — see glasgowgildedage.org.uk.