Michael Biggs Explained
Michael Biggs (26 August 1928 – 1993) was an Irish sculptor,[1] stone carver and letterist of English extraction.[2] [3] [4]
Early life
Biggs was born in Stockport in 1928.[5] He was educated at St Columba's College, Dublin and attended Trinity College Dublin in 1946–49, but did not graduate.[6]
Career
Biggs learned with Joseph Cribb in 1948–1951.[7] [5] He attended an artist's community in Ditchling, Sussex, founded by Eric Gill, and Biggs became well known as a carver, letterist and engraver. He also studied under Elizabeth Rivers.[8]
A notable work of his was the Gaelic type used by Dolmen Press.[9] He also designed the lettering for the Series B Banknotes of the Irish pound.[10]
He was elected to the elite artistic institution Aosdána in 1989.[11]
Personal life
Biggs was married to Frances Dooly, a violinist, artist, and designer of stained-glass and tapestries; they had five children.[6] He converted to Roman Catholicism late in life and was buried at St. Patrick's Church, Enniskerry.[10]
Notes and References
- Book: The Art of Remembering. Harriet. Frazer. Christine. Oestreicher. 29 June 1998. Carcanet. 9781857543773 . Google Books.
- Book: Perkins, Tom. Art of Letter Carving in Stone. 21 December 2013. Crowood. 9781847977243 . Google Books.
- Web site: Biggs, Michael 1928-1993 [WorldCat Identities]].
- Web site: LOT:17 | Michael Biggs, (1928-1993) Kitchen Chair Woodblock print, 54 x 36cm Signed and numbered 12/99 Note: Michael Biggs lived in Dublin from 1930, and is best known for his inscriptions in stone, bronze and wood throughout Ireland. His works include the Moyne Commemorative Table, TCD: Proclamation of the Republic and grave inscriptions at Arbour Hill (1959-63) and the mural inscription at Parnell Square (1976). He is also known for his book illustrations and embellishments of which the present work is probably an example.. www.adams.ie.
- Web site: Michael Biggs - Arbour Hill Memorial | Public art directory | Public Art . Publicart.ie . 2022-08-24.
- Web site: Biggs, Michael | Dictionary of Irish Biography. www.dib.ie.
- News: Musician in glass. The Irish Times.
- Book: Harmon, Maurice. The Dolmen Press: A Celebration. 29 June 2001. Lilliput Press. 9781901866759 . Google Books.
- Book: Reynolds, Paige. Modernist Afterlives in Irish Literature and Culture. 22 September 2016. Anthem Press. 9781783085743 . Google Books.
- Web site: Michael Biggs, Lettering Artist on Paper and Stone. ZSR Library1834 Wake Forest. RoadWinston-Salem. 9 May 2016. ZSR Library.
- Web site: Aosdána. aosdana.artscouncil.ie.
