Tommy was born during World War II and brought up in Glasgow, which at that time was a dark, smoky industrial city.  In spite of this environment, from his youngest years he developed a fascination for the natural world as well as showing an early aptitude for drawing.  

As he got older his love of the living world deepened and his artistic talent matured.   He became a student at Glasgow School of Art where he specialised in sculpture.  After graduating and winning a travelling scholarship he became a much loved and respected art teacher in Saint Augustine’s Secondary in the North of Glasgow.

In the meantime, he continued to develop his skills as a naturalist and his interest in bird watching led to him becoming a qualified bird ringer and a member of the Clyde Ringing Group.  This is turn led on to him being asked to illustrate journals such as the yearly Clyde Bird Report and the Loch Lomond Bird Report.  These illustrations were widely admired and in 2008 he was commissioned to produce over 30 scraperboard drawings for the prestigious two volume publication, The Birds of Scotland.  

This was followed by successful exhibitions at Waterstone House in Aberlady.  He was also commissioned by Glasgow City Council to produce a series of detailed paintings, which were used for visitor information boards describing the variety of plants and animals to be found in the city’s parks and local nature reserves.  

Throughout his life Tommy kept journals in which he illustrated his observations and sightings.  His sketch books often included landscapes and details of habitats.   He drew portraits of family, friends and colleagues and his work also included pottery and sculpture. 

Tommy was an unassuming man who was modest about his talent but passed on his passion and love of the natural world to so many not just through his art but through his example. 

After his death his wife Anne, found these two quotes among his papers.