Frank Dobson

Frank Dobson, CBE, RA, ARBS, PLG (1886-1963)

was known internationally as a sculptor of portraits and figure subjects in bronze, stone and terracotta, and he also painted in watercolour and drew extensively in chalk and Indian ink. He was born in London, son of an artist and illustrator, and initially he studied art under his father. Later he worked in the studio of Sir William Reynolds-Stephens 1902-06, then at Hospitalfield, Arbroath (Stephen’s Scholar) 1906-10, and subsequently at the City and Guilds School, Kennington. His first solo show at the Chenil Gallery, of paintings and drawings, took place in 1914. At this stage of his career he was more concerned with painting, and did not make his first wood carving until 1913. His first solo show as a sculptor was held at The Leicester Galleries in London in 1921. He exhibited with the New English Art Club in 1920 and joined The London Group of artists in 1922 and served as their President 1923-27. Dobson began exhibiting at the Royal Academy in 1933 and was elected ARA in 1942 and RA in 1952. He was also elected an Associate of the Royal Society of British Sculptors in 1938 and was Professor of Sculpture at the Royal College of Art 1946-53. Dobson received the CBE in 1947. His work is held in many public collections, including the Tate Gallery, London. A memorial exhibition was held by the Arts Council in 1966 and in 1994 there was a major retrospective at the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds.

Current Works

Frank Dobson – Reclining Female Nude