Archibald Young qualified MB,CM from the University of Glasgow in 1895 after which he spent time in Europe continuing his studies. After returning to Glasgow he worked under great mentors, including Joseph Coats and Sir William Macewen. He spent much of his career working at the Western Infirmary, gradually working his way up the surgical posts from Extra Dispensary Surgeon in 1903 to Visiting Surgery to the Infirmary in 1917.

Young was Regius Professor of Surgery at the University of Glasgow from 1924–1939 and President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow from 1935 to 1937.

This painting is the second portrait of Young painted by James Gunn. The first portrait, which was presented to Young in 1939, is now part of the University of Glasgow collection. ]]>
Gunn; Sir; James (1893-1964); Artist, RA, LLD]]>