William Johnstone OBE (1897–1981) was a Scottish artist and writer, and Principal of Central School of Arts and Crafts from 1947 to 1960.
Together they formed the concept of the Scottish Renaissance to release the nation from its cultural poverty under a centralised British arts scene.
[2] During World War II Johnstone became culturally despondent, turning away from practising art to become a teacher, a role which occupied much of his professional life.
[6] Johnstone played an important and pioneering role in his teaching and promoting of 'Basic Design principles'—which he had developed from his contacts with the Bauhaus— at both the Camberwell and Central Schools.
[6][7][8] He became renowned as a teacher, creating innovative courses and employment in teaching for such important artists as Alan Davie and Eduardo Paolozzi.