Michael Biggs facts for kids

Michael Biggs (born August 26, 1928 – died 1993) was a very talented Irish artist. He was famous for carving letters and designs into stone. He was also a skilled sculptor. Even though he was Irish, he was born in England.

Early Life and Learning

Michael Biggs was born in Stockport, England, in 1928. When he was older, he went to school in Dublin, Ireland. He studied at St Columba's College, Dublin. Later, he attended Trinity College Dublin from 1946 to 1949.

Amazing Artworks and Designs

The main altar of St Macartan's Cathedral, Monaghan, which Michael Biggs helped to sculpt.

The full text of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, carved by Biggs on the Arbour Hill memorial.

Michael learned his art from a master carver named Joseph Cribb. He worked with him from 1948 to 1951. Michael also spent time at a special art community. This community was in Ditchling, England. It was started by a famous artist named Eric Gill. There, Michael became very good at carving and engraving. He also learned from another artist, Elizabeth Rivers.

Designing for Books and Money

Michael Biggs created special designs for letters. One of his important works was the Gaelic type font. This font was used by a publishing company called Dolmen Press. He also designed the lettering for the Series B Banknotes. These were the paper money used in Ireland, called the Irish pound.

In 1989, Michael Biggs was chosen to join Aosdána. This is a special group that honors artists in Ireland.

His Family and Later Life

Michael Biggs was married to Frances Dooly. She was a violinist and an artist herself. Frances designed beautiful stained-glass and tapestries. They had five children together. Later in his life, Michael became a Catholic. He was buried at St. Patrick’s Church in Enniskerry.