Crawford Mitchell facts for kids

William Crawford Mitchell (born October 5, 1908 – died November 26, 1976) was a talented artist from Ulster, Northern Ireland. He was especially known for making art using lino-cuts and wood engraving. These are special ways of creating prints by carving designs into materials.

Early Life and Learning

Crawford Mitchell was born in Belfast on October 5, 1908. His father, Joseph Mitchell, was a confectioner. Crawford was the youngest of three children.

He went to the Boys Model School in Belfast. Later, he won a scholarship to study art at the Belfast School of Art. In 1932, he won another scholarship to the famous Royal College of Art. There, he studied alongside his cousin, George Galway MacCann, who also became an artist.

His Career as an Artist and Teacher

Crawford Mitchell was a dedicated teacher. He taught many students in different schools, helping several generations of young people learn about art.

In 1935, he taught part-time at Rainey Endowed School and at colleges in Lurgan and Portadown. In 1950, he moved to the new Grosvenor Grammar School in Belfast. He stayed there until he retired in 1970. After retiring, he spent more time on his printmaking. He also taught part-time at Rupert Stanley College.

Art and Theatre Work

Mitchell was also involved in theatre from the 1930s. He designed sets for plays and sometimes acted or directed shows with the Ulster Theatre. When he taught at Grosvenor High School, he created posters and programs for school plays. He even played music for the productions when needed.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Mitchell was one of the first members of a group called the Ulster Unit. In their first exhibition in 1934, he showed five etchings. Critics said his work was "soundly competent" and "promising."

In 1963, Mitchell showed his art in a special exhibition called New Gallery Painters Exhibition. This show was put on by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

He often showed his work at the Royal Ulster Academy (RUA). In 1965, he displayed a four-color lino-cut called Gnarled Oak. In 1975, he won a silver medal at the RUA's 94th annual show. This award was for his lino-cut of Ballaghanery Church, Co, Down, which is a very old building. In the same year, he became an Associate Member of the RUA. The next year, a critic called his works Grey Abbey and Yellow Water River "outstanding."

In 1974, Mitchell joined a group called the Masquers for their first art exhibition. This group started as a play-reading club and later used visual arts to promote peace. Mitchell showed his work alongside his wife, Eileen, and other artists. They displayed their art again in 1976, where Mitchell showed ten pieces, including lino-cuts, oil paintings, and gouache.

His Lasting Impact

Crawford Mitchell passed away on November 26, 1976, at the age of 68. He was survived by his wife, Eileen, and his son, Clive.

Even after his death, Mitchell's art continued to be shown. In 1977, his work was displayed at the RUA. A special show of 77 of his artworks also took place at Rupert Stanley College.

Today, you can find Crawford Mitchell's artwork in important collections. These include the British Council and the Victoria and Albert Museum. His art continues to be appreciated by many.