James Adley, British Abstract Painter Inspired by 1959 Tate Show, Dies at 83

James Adley, a British abstract painter, died last month at 83. His work was heavily shaped by the 1959 "The New American Painting" exhibition at Tate in London, which featured artists like Jackson Pollock, Clyfford Still, and Willem de Kooning. At that time, he was working as an accountant for Nestlé but was inspired by Still to pursue art, leading him to the Chelsea School of Art from 1960 to 1963. He later earned an MFA at the University of Pennsylvania, where he met Still. Adley taught at Michigan State University for 30 years, receiving the Distinguished Faculty award in 1990. A memorial is set for May 31st at the Kresge Art Center. His life included surviving the London Blitz, serving in the RAF, and a passion for classical music. He was married to fellow artist Alison McMaugh from 1961 until her death in 2005.