John Boyd’s (1940–2001) oil painting Cafe Fez depicts a roadside café partially obscured by a large tree. Three men sit to the right of the tree, served by a waiter, while the table to the left remains empty. The title evokes Morocco, referencing the city of Fez, and the café features a banner with red stars on a green background, mirroring the symbol found on the Moroccan flag. Boyd, known for his skill in oil painting, created a wide range of works, including still lifes, landscapes, and scenes like this one, which reflect his keen eye for detail and his ability to capture the everyday.

John Boyd RP, 1940-2001

Born in Stonehaven, Boyd studied under James Morrison, before joining Gray's School of Art, Aberdeen, followed by a stint at Hospitalfield, Arbroath. He taught in schools, colleges and art centres in Glasgow throughout his life, before returning to painting full time in his 50s. Boyd's first one-man exhibition was held in 1967 at the New 57 Gallery in Edinburgh and went on to exhibit widely in solo and group shows across Britain.