The artist and activist Wendy Wood was born Gwendoline Emily Meacham, in Kent, England. A founder-member of the groups known as the Scottish Patriots and the National Party of Scotland, Wendy Wood campaigned for the cause of an independent Scotland for over half a century and became for many people the personification of Scottish nationalism.  In 1932, together with a group of fellow activists, Wood tore down the Union Flag in Stirling Castle.  In 1960, she called upon the General Assembly of Scotland to support the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament. Wood exhibited regularly at the Royal Scottish Academy having trained as a painter under Walter Sickert.