Del Newbigging facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Del Newbigging
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Born |
Robert Delford Newbigging
September 29, 1934 Listowel, Ontario
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Died | August 23, 2012 | (aged 77)
Occupation | Artist, author, arts teacher |
Notable work
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Alexander Wood Statue |
Board member of | Medallic Art Society of Canada |
Spouse(s) | John Carolan |
Robert Delford Newbigging (1934-2012) was a Canadian artist, teacher, and children's author. He was known for his art made from bronze. His works were shown in art galleries across Europe and North America. Del Newbigging is most famous for leading the project to create the Alexander Wood statue in Toronto.
Contents
About Del Newbigging
Del Newbigging was born in Listowel, Ontario. He was a talented artist and also wrote books for children. He was often called by his nickname, Del.
A Children's Author
Del Newbigging wrote and illustrated a children's book called Robert Rat Has A Problem. This book taught important lessons. It showed kids how to agree to disagree with others. It also taught them about the importance of healthy eating.
Creating Medals
On July 16, 2000, Del Newbigging helped start a group called the Medallic Art Society of Canada (MASC). This group helps create, share, and teach about the art of making medals. Medals are like small sculptures, often made from metal.
The Alexander Wood Statue
One of Del Newbigging's most important artworks is the large statue of Alexander Wood. Alexander Wood was a merchant and a judge in the city of York, which is now Toronto.
The bronze statue of Alexander Wood is located in the Church-Wellesley neighborhood of Toronto. It stands at the corner of Church Street and Alexander Street. The statue was officially shown to the public on May 28, 2005.
The statue took two years to create. It is two and a half meters tall. Del Newbigging imagined what Alexander Wood looked like. He used only a simple outline of Wood as his main guide.
The statue is a symbol of acceptance for all communities. Toronto City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam said that Del Newbigging's careful planning and strong work created Canada's only monument to a pioneer. She said it will always stand proudly in the Church and Wellesley Village.