SHIRLEY-SMITH, RICHARD (b.1935) With a guitar, to Jane Engraving signed and inscribed ‘A.P.’

Description

Richard Shirley Smith (b.1935)

Painter, muralist, collagist, printmaker and teacher, born in London. While at Harrow School he met David Jones, who influenced his own work as an engraver and painter. Was at the Slade School of Fine Art, 1956–60, under Anthony Gross, then studied for two years in Rome. Merivale Editions published his wood engravings. His notable work as a book illustrator included titles for the Folio Society and Limited Editions Club and his Selected Engravings were published in 1983 by Cuckoo Hill Press. In 1985 a major retrospective was held by the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and RIBA Heinz Gallery. As a muralist he handled prestigious commissions for sites such as Kensington Palace and Guardian Royal Exchange. Taught at St Albans School of Art, later being head of art at Marlborough School.

Text source: ‘Artists in Britain Since 1945’ by David Buckman (Art Dictionaries Ltd, part of Sansom & Company)