David Harding, the pioneering Scottish artist and influential educator, passed away on February 21, 2026, at the age of 88, following a long illness. Harding was widely celebrated for his groundbreaking role as the first Town Artist in Glenrothes and for establishing the renowned Environmental Art department at the Glasgow School of Art. His innovative approach profoundly shaped public art practices and art education in Scotland and beyond.

Born in Leith, Edinburgh, on March 3, 1937, Harding pursued his artistic studies at Edinburgh College of Art from 1955 to 1959. After a period of teaching in Scottish schools, he spent four formative years in Nigeria between 1963 and 1967, working in a bush teacher training college's art department. These early experiences laid the foundation for his socially engaged artistic practice.

Harding's most distinctive contribution began in 1968 when he was appointed as Glenrothes' first Town Artist, a role he held for a decade. Working within the Glenrothes Development Corporation, he integrated site-specific sculptures and murals into the urban landscape, using materials like concrete and brick to create works such as "Henge" and "Industry." His vision transformed the new town into a unique canvas, fostering a strong sense of community identity through art.

In 1985, Harding embarked on another significant chapter, establishing the Environmental Art department at the Glasgow School of Art. As its head until his retirement in 2001, he mentored a generation of influential artists, including several Turner Prize nominees and winners. His pedagogical approach emphasized context, collaboration, and critical engagement, transforming how art could operate within the world.

Throughout his career, Harding's dedication to art and education earned him considerable recognition. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2002 for his services to higher education and received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Glasgow in 2018. In his later years, he continued to collaborate on significant projects, including contributions to Documenta 14 in 2017. His legacy as a visionary artist and educator remains deeply embedded in Scotland's cultural fabric.