Donald Hamilton Fraser RA, born in London on July 30, 1929, into a family of Scottish heritage, emerged as one of the most distinctive British Modernist painters of the immediate post-war era, thanks to his boldly-handled and richly-coloured semi-abstract works that drew inspiration from the School of Paris.
During World War II, his family's frequent relocations necessitated multiple school changes, with brief stints at Maidenhead Grammar School. Nonetheless, amidst this upheaval, Fraser's passion for literature blossomed, leading him to immerse himself in reading and poetry writing. He also embarked on a journalism career with Kemsley Newspapers.
It was during his national service in the Royal Air Force from 1947 to 1949 that Fraser's fascination with the visual arts burgeoned. He embarked on formal art studies at St Martin’s School of Art, initially attending evening classes and subsequently enrolling as a full-time student from 1949 to 1952. His exceptional talent in securing external commissions aroused envy among some of his instructors but ultimately paved the way for his first solo exhibition at the esteemed Gimpel Fils gallery in London in 1953.
Fraser's artistic journey took a significant turn when he was awarded a scholarship by the French government, allowing him to reside in Paris from 1953 to 1954. This relatively brief yet pivotal period played a transformative role in shaping the evolution of his artistic oeuvre.