Portrait of the artist is unveiled in his memory

THE FIRST anniversary of the passing of Michael Marra was marked in optimistic terms last night with the unveiling of a portrait and plaque in his memory.

The engaging portrait, by Fife artist Donald Smart, has been hung in Lochee Library and was unveiled by Michael’s daughter and son, Alice and Matthew, watched by members of his family, friends, local councillors and Dundee West MP Jim McGovern.

A plaque bearing a lyric from Michael’s ode Hermless was also revealed, as its hero often visited the library to “tak oot a book” before he went hame for his tea.

Dundee comedian Saint Andrew, who recorded a version of Hermless with Michael and their band The Woollen Mill, invited the assembled audience to join him, Christopher Marra and Kevin Murray in a rendition of what is arguably Michael’s best-loved song.

Donald, whose son Donald is married to Michael’s niece, said he painted the portrait as he was determined to contribute to the memory of Michael following his sad death on October 23 last year.

Michael’s family decided to do the unveiling on the date as it would give them a focus for what was a very emotional time.

His sister Mary said it was a poignant day for all the family and added: “I can’t think of a more fitting place than Lochee Library for the painting to be hung.

“As children we were very enthusiastic borrowers and avid readers, because there was no TV in these days.”

Introducing Saint Andrew, Michael’s brother Nick added: “My first duty is to thank Donald for what is a magnificent portrait.”

He described the library at the heart of Lochee’s “historic quarter” and humorously listed their childhood activities together as the young Marras grew up in the local area.

The event was also attended by Lochee councillors Norma McGovern, Bob Duncan, Tom Ferguson and Alan Ross.

Donald Smart was born in Kirkcaldy and graduated from Edinburgh Art College in 1979.

He said: “I worked in the same signs factory for 29 years, earning a crust or two through caricatures and the odd oil painting.

“In 2010, I was invited by an old college friend to participate in his painting old masters class at his studio in Edinburgh.

“Intrigued, I accepted, and practically every Sunday since then, I could be found at WASPS at Patriothall. There the portrait of Michael was conceived, through a desire to do something for the family, following Michael’s sad death.

“I hope people like it...it has been my enormous pleasure to produce it,” he added.

Picture: John Stevenson. Attending the unveiling of the portrait of Michael Marra at Lochee library were the artist, Donald Smart, with Michael Marra’s son Matthew, his widow Peggy and daughter, Alice.