Below is the detailed biography of William Redgrave – a British sculptor from Essex. His most recognized work was the ‘Event’ which was destroyed in a warehouse fire. Let us learn about his life below.
Table of Contents
Early Life of William Redgrave
William was born in Essex, London in the year 1903. He was known to have been working as an air raid warden in the second world war. However, he always had a flair for art. He ran an art school along with his friend in the city. He also rented a studio along with his friend Francis Bacon – Attorney General and English philosopher and statesmen.
In 1954, he finally took up sculptures for his career. While he was in Chelsea, he built the major structure – The Event which was a combination of more than 200 sculpture pieces set in a way of dramatic scenes and effects. More than 40 scenes have been depicted in the entire collection. This masterpiece was built in 3 years.
Career As a Sculptor
‘The Event’ was first exhibited at the Royal Academy in the year 1966. The critics mentioned that the piece was as excellent as the sculptures on the doors of St Peter’s Basilica by Giacomo Manzu. Thereafter, he started making busts of different people which are considered his notable works too. In 1970, his bust of Henry Cooper and Lawrence Oliver were exhibited at the Royal Academy. Lawrence Oliver was a famous English actor and director whose bust is now exhibited at the Royal National Theatre in the United Kingdom. Henry Coopers bust is at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
William is also famous for the sculpture of his friend and mentor – Francis Bacon which he made in 1983.
Notable Sculptures of William Redgrave
Legacy and Death of William Redgrave
William Redgrave died in the year 1986. His sculptures were known to not only represent a person but also the emotion within the person. He was best and rare at bringing out the portrayal of feelings and emotions in the process of representing a person. There are effects of drama and storytelling behind every sculpture in an accurate manner.
