Robert Callender was born in Kent in 1932. After a period as a student of medical illustration he moved to the Department of Painting at Edinburgh College of Art, where he became an artist - and would later mentor young artists as a much-loved member of the College staff. An involved member of the Scottish art community, he also exhibited internationally. Robert died in July 2011, in Fife.

A unique personality and artist, and a man of principles, Robert Callender was driven by his interest in the craft of making and in the environment - particularly the coast, the sea and those who worked on it. A prodigious and technically accomplished output of paintings, work in three dimensions and printmaking is complimented by his writings - succinct prose and poetry on maritime and environmental themes.