Born in London of Scottish decent, he studied architecture at University College London and between 1953 and 1955 trained as an artist in Florence, with Pietro Annigoni. There, he was taught how to paint in oil tempera, a type of paint whereby pigments are mixed with egg yolk, oils and a preservative – for which Ramsay used whisky! His portraits and still-lifes are highly detailed with luminous colours and a glossy finish. Important sitters include Princess Alexandra, Sir Winston Churchill and Prince Philip. The latter portrait was commissioned for the prince’s 80th birthday. Ramsay now lives in Australia and his works are in collections around the world.