This website presents the findings of an ongoing project to uncover and document the life and work of the late British artist Henry Bird
Commissions
Henry often worked on commissioned projects, for which he produced designs for churches and theatres across the UK and the Institute of Commonwealth Studies in Bloomsbury, London, among others.
Biography
Born in Northampton in 1909 (d. 2000), Henry Bird was a skilled draughtsman who was known for his murals, nudes and set designs for theatres.
He trained at the Royal College of Art and went on to design sets for the Old Vic, Sadler's Wells and the Embassy Theatre before creating murals and commissions for churches and other venues.
He also taught art history and drawing for many years at both Aberystwyth University and Northampton School of Art.
In 1983, he was granted a a Civil List Pension for services to the arts.
Nudes
Henry was also known for his nude portraits and invited many interesting characters ('preferably big and beautiful'- The Times) and family members to sit for him over the years. Inspired by Egon Schiele, he placed emphasis on the sitter's hands and feet, using pink, blue, and white lines to add detail. Click to see his works.
Collections
Henry's work has been shown widely, 'including the Tate Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum' (The Independent) and is present in both public and private collections.