Ivor Cutler | Artist
Ivor Cutler was a Scottish poet, songwriter, and humorist born 1923 in Glasgow, Scotland. Known for his whimsical and eccentric style, with his unique blend of surrealism, deadpan humour, and childlike wonder, Cutler's artistic output has earned him a cult following and a lasting legacy. Cutler's early life was marked by a deep connection to the arts and a profound love for language. He studied at the Glasgow School of Art, where he honed his skills as a painter and illustrator. He joined the Royal Air Force as a navigator in 1942 but was soon grounded for "dreaminess" and worked as a storeman. He then moved to London where he was employed by the Inner London Education Authority to teach music, dance, drama and poetry to 7-to-11 year-olds. However, it was his innate talent for storytelling and wordplay that would ultimately define his career, using humour to address themes of human nature, society, and the quirks of everyday life. In the 1950s, Cutler began gaining recognition for his poetry and performances, often incorporating musical elements and his distinctive Scottish accent. Cutler's poems are both childlike and though-provoking, exploring everyday experiences and observations through a lens of surrealism, childlike wonder and whimsy. In addition to his poetry, Cutler was also a talented musician and songwriter. He frequently accompanied his performances with music played on a harmonium, and his songs often featured witty and insightful lyrics that complemented his poetic style. His music, like his poetry, defied categorization, blending elements of folk, jazz, and avant-garde experimentation. Cutler gained a cult following through his performances on radio and television, where his deadpan delivery and idiosyncratic humour captivated audiences. His appearances on programs such as the John Peel Show and BBC's "Ivor Cutler of Y'Hup" helped solidify his reputation as a beloved and enigmatic figure in the UK's cultural landscape. Despite his relatively niche appeal, Cutler's influence has extended to numerous contemporary artists and writers. His work inspired musicians such as Robert Wyatt and the Beatles, and his distinctive style continues to resonate with those who appreciate the unconventional and the whimsical in art and literature. Cutler passed away on March 3, 2006, leaving behind a rich and varied body of work including 10 books of poetry, 5 books of prose, over a dozen children's books, and a sticker book. As a recording artist he left 10 studio albums, a live album and several EP's. Standouts include Ludo (1967), Dandruff (1974), Velvet Donkey (1975), Jammy Smears (1976), Privilege (1983), and the 1978 live album Life in a Scotch Sitting Room Vol. 2. Ivor Cutler also appeared in the Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" film in 1967 and on Neill Innes' television programmes. He also was a teacher at A.S. Neill's Summerhill School and for 30 years in inner-city schools in London.
Artist Website: wikipedia/Ivor_Cutler
Featured Albums: Ivor Cutler
Related Artists: Neil Innes, John Peel, Robert Wyatt, The Beatles
