Born in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Alan Potter began his working life as an engineer with Rolls-Royce Ltd. before he enrolled at the Glasgow School of Art. Upon graduating he lectured for five years in Fine Art at the Glasgow School of Art until he was offered the post of Head of Public Art at Chelsea College of Art and Design (University of the Arts, London), subsequently becoming Dean of the School of Design. Alan later resigned his post in order to pursue his preferred career as a professional artist and has carried out many commissions throughout the UK, as well as having works in public and private collections in the UK, USA, Canada and New Zealand. The majority of his commissions have been for local authorities, community organisations, schools, universities and hospitals.