FANS are encouraged to “celebrate and remember” party-loving Alasdair Gray one month after his death.
The much-loved author and artist died one day after his 85th birthday in December.
Tributes came from all across the art world, with Nick Barley, director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, calling the Lanark writer “a bright star in a luminous constellation of northern lights; a game-changer whose boundlessly innovative, cross-disciplinary thinking paved the way for so many others to succeed”.
At the time of his death, Gray’s family said his body would be left to medical science and no funeral would be held.
In a fresh statement released through his publisher Canongate yesterday, the family said they had been “touched and comforted by the kind words, warm wishes and hilarious memories shared by his many friends and admirers, both in person and online”.
READ MORE: 'A true original': Scots pay tribute to Alasdair Gray
They went on: “Many people have asked if we’re planning a memorial service. But in his will Alasdair specifically requested no service of any kind and we will be honouring his wishes.
“However Alasdair belonged to all of us, and he loved a party. So we would be delighted for other people to celebrate and remember Alasdair in whatever way seems appropriate to them.”
Gray, who is survived by his son, sister and granddaughter, lived in Glasgow, which inspired, featured in and became a showcase for his work in galleries, private homes and public spaces like Hillhead subway station.
He used his local library in the city’s west end, where a book of condolences has been opened.
It will move to the city’s flagship Mitchell Library within the next few weeks and Glasgow Libraries said it has been “overwhelmed by the poignant messages” entered by admirers so far.
The family stated: “Glasgow Libraries have kindly offered to host a book of condolences where people can record their memories and tributes to Alasdair. This will be available first at Hillhead, the library he was using up to his death, and then at Riddrie, which was so important to him as a child.
“Alasdair’s sister Mora will contribute her own memories to the book and it will culminate in a free event as part of the Aye Write festival in March, of which Alasdair was a great supporter.
“A collection of recently acquired Lanark prints will also be on display at the Tate Britain, in memorium, over the next month.”
The family have also said that, as a way of updating and notifying on the future of Alasdair’s legacy, a new website named the Alasdair Gray Archive will be set up, “managed and run by Gray’s galleriest and friend Sorcha Dallas”.
The news came as Glasgow North MP Patrick Grady called for debate on the life and work of the “genius of a man”.
READ MORE: It's up tae us tae trace ower Alasdair Gray's Glesga anew
During Business Questions, the leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg replied: “ I cannot promise a debate on Mr Gray but I will pray for his soul.”
A debate on Gray’s contribution to Scotland’s cultural landscape will take place in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday.
Brought by the SNP’s Sandra White, it has cross-party backing and notes that “the Parliament is deeply saddened” at the loss of an “incredible creative force” whose work has “influenced, engaged, inspired and entertained”.
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