Eric Rowan was born in Liverpool and studied at the College of Art. He attended the Academy of Fine Arts, Florence (1951–57). He ran a gallery at the New Shakespeare Theatre, Liverpool (1957–59), before returning to Italy for a year. He taught art and participated in group shows in Liverpool, Cardiff, Swansea and New York. His books include ‘Art in Wales: An Illustrated History 1850–1980’ (1985) and ‘An Elusive Tradition: Art and Society in Wales 1870–1950’ (co-written with Carolyn Stewart, 2003). His television films include programmes on Victorian architect/designer William Burges and artists, Augustus and Gwen John. Public collections holding his work include the National Museum of Wales and the State Museum, Ludwigshafen, Germany.
