Frank Dobson RA (British, 1886 – 1963)

Newlyn girl

Oil on panel

9.3/4 x 13.3/4 in. (24.7 x 35.5 cm.)

Provenance: From the collection of Janet Beat Bonhams London

Frank Dobson (1886-1963) is now considered one of the pioneers of modern British sculpture. Born in London, he attended Leyton School of Art from 1900-1902. He then studied under sculptor Sir William Reynolds-Stephens from 1902-4. Between 1906-1910 he was at Hospitalfield Art Institute, Arbroath and then from 1910-1912 at the City and Guilds School, Kennington.

He worked both in bronze and stone although made some wood carvings prior to the outbreak of WWI. He showed internationally and gained a reputation for his classical nudes. He became one of the most esteemed sculptors of his time, and was Professor of Sculpture at the Royal College of Art between 1946-53.

Dobson is represented in many public galleries, including the Tate Gallery. There was an Arts Council memorial exhibition in 1966 and more recently there was a major retrospective at the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds, in 1994.