Robert Colquhoun was born in Kilmarnoch, Ayrshire. With the help of his art teacher, he was awarded a scholarship to Glasgow School of Art in 1933 and later a traveling scholarship to Paris and Italy. It was as a student that he met Robert MacBryde, who would become his life long partner. They became so inseparable at Glasgow that they were often referred to as the 'Two Roberts'.

When Colquhoun won his scholarship to travel funds were found so that MacBryde could go with him. After completing their studies, the pair moved to London in 1941, where they were introduced to the Neo-Romantic circle by Peter Watson. Outspoken, direct and charismatic, they made a huge impact on the artistic scene around them. ...