David Peat

David Peat (1947 – 2012) was one of Scotland’s leading film-makers and photographers. Best known as a film-maker for his closely observed documentaries which include – Gutted, This Mine is Ours, Me and My Face, Life’s too Short, Please Leave the Light On etc.

From working as a film cameraman in his early years, he shot major documentaries for well-known producers like Paul Hamann in the 1970’s. His observational skills were learned from working with two early masters of the genre in the UK. Roger Graef and his cameraman, Charles Stewart.

He also made a number of arts films for cinema and television along with the acclaimed Scottish film-maker, Murray Grigor (The Hand of Adam, Frank Lloyd Wright, Blast! ). Peat also worked with Murray Grigor on films featuring Billy Connolly ( Clydescope, Big Banana Feet).

When Peat was trying to find his way into the film and TV world, he built up a portfolio of photographs of children living in the slum areas of Glasgow – The Gorbals, Tradeston and Maryhill. These photographs taken in 1968, have become an historic record of times long gone. An Eye on Street is published as a reminder of past Glasgow lives, but also as a tribute to David Peat.