Oliffe Richmond
This new exhibition explores the life and legacy of Tasmanian-born sculptor Oliffe Richmond (1919–1977), whose career flourished in Britain alongside some of the most influential names in modern art. It includes works on paper and sculptures, and bookends his early work with his late mature work. Most of the drawings are from the 1940s during his wartime service, and the sketchbook drawings are from the 1960s and 70s. These later drawings give an interesting insight into his sculptures, including the very large Tripod III in the Central Gallery.
After Richmond left Australia on a NSW Travelling Scholarship in 1948 he worked as an assistant for Henry Moore, and his sculptural work focused on dynamic figures (he was interested in movement and dance), then mechanical pieces (he learned to fly at age 18 and was fascinated by cars and machinery). He later took on a teaching role at the Chelsea School of Art, where he helped shape the next generation of British artists.
All in all, there is a lot to see in this exhibition!
Distinguished speaker at our Friends event will be Cobus van Breda, Senior Conservator (Paper) at TMAG, and following his talk we’ll take a walk through the gallery with Cobus.
Friends members $25, non-members $30
includes refreshments
Pictured above, from left: Portrait of Harry Buckie, a well-known watercolourist and friend of Richmond who donated many of the works on display.
Portrait of Eileen Brooker, who was at art school in Hobart with Richmond. They were very close throughout the war years. Eileen is an important artist (potter and painter) and art educator. She is 103 years old this year.
Oliffe Richmond, self-portrait.