John Maxwell was one of Gillies' closest artist friends. He regularly joined Gillies on his many painting holidays in Scotland and was with him in France in the 1930s. Maxwell studied with Gillies at ECA and joined him on the teaching staff in 1929. He was also hugely influential, bringing a distinct modern approach into the school, which had influence on students like Alan Davie. In 1954, Maxwell's joint exhibition with Gillies in London was the last time their unique Scottish modernism had exposure south of the border during their careers.