William Henry David Birch
William Henry David Birch | |
|---|---|
| Born | 19th of May 1895 |
| Died | 10th of March 1968 |
| Education | Epsom School of Art, Goldsmiths’ College School of Art |
| Known for | British artist, painter, illustrator |
William Henry David Birch, also known as David Birch R.O.I. (May 19th 1895, Epsom, Surrey, England, British Empire – March 10th 1968, Epsom, Surrey, England, United Kingdom)[1] was a British artist, painter and illustrator.[2]
David Birch was the Principal of Epsom and Ewell School of Art started from 1930 and retired in 1961.[3]
Biography
David Birch was born in Epsom, Surrey, England on May 19th 1895. He studied at Epsom School of Art where he was a student of William Henry Osmond (1865-1943), the first Principal of this school[4][5], and at Goldsmiths’ College School of Art.
He was invalided out of World War I in 1915 and spent the next three years working at HM Stationery Office continuing his art education and training. He took up book illustration and later became a part time art teacher in London.
In 1930, he was appointed as Principal of the Epsom and Ewell School of Art and held this position for over 30 years, retiring in 1961.[6][7]
From 1935 Birch focused on landscape painting in the Constable tradition. He began exhibiting regularly at the Royal Academy, Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Royal Society of British Artists[8], Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts and other major galleries. His works were widely reproduced, notably by Royle Publications[9][10] and others.
In 1945 he was elected as a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI).[11]
In 1959, a catalogue of David Birch’s landscapes was published under the title Landscape Paintings Exhibition Catalogue. English and Welsh Landscape.[12]
He died on 10 March 1968 in Epsom.
Nowadays, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, other galleries and private collections holds and exhibits his works.[13][14] There is at least one known depiction of David Birch - a pencil drawing portrait created by British painter Sir Stanley Spencer in 1943.[15]
References
- ^ "DAVID BIRCH Landscape artist: Biography". World art and artists.
- ^ Buckman, David (2006). Artists in Britain Since 1945 (Two Volumes) (2nd ed.). Bristol. UK: Sansom & Co. ISBN 095326095X.
- ^ "Archives Hub: Epsom and Ewell Technical Institute and School of Art".
- ^ "Epsom School of Art". Artist Biographies. British and Irish Artists of the 20th Century.
- ^ "David Birch illustrations and paintings, and reproductions". Univercity for the Creative Arts. Archived from the original on 2025-04-17. Retrieved 2025-04-12.
- ^ "Epsom and Ewell Technical Institute and School of Art Archive Catalogue". EPSOM & EWELL HISTORY EXPLORER.
- ^ "Epsom School of Art". Exploring Surrey`s Past.
- ^ "The Royal Society of British Artists 237th Exhibition catalogue, 1962" (PDF). The "Society of British Artists".
- ^ "William Henry David Birch". Art UK.
- ^ "Royle Publishing". Artist Biographies. British and Irish Artists of the 20th Century.
- ^ Waters, Grant M. (1975). Dictionary of British Artists Working 1900 - 1950. England: Hilmarton Manor Press. ISBN 0904722376.
- ^ Birch, David R.O.I. (1959). Landscape Paintings Exhibition Catalogue. English and Welsh Landscape. Epsom, England, UK: Epsom and Ewell School of Art. ASIN B002JJQRSO.
- ^ Art UK. "Artworks by William Henry David Birch".
- ^ Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. "William Henry David Birch".
- ^ "Stanley Spencer (British, 1891–1959) - "Portrait of David Birch ROI (1895-1968)", 1943". Artnet.com.