Rachel Reckitt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rachel Reckitt
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 1908 St Albans, England
|
| Died | 1995 (aged 86–87) |
| Nationality | British |
| Education |
|
| Known for | Sculpture, painting, wood engraving |
Rachel Reckitt (1908–1995) was a talented British artist. She worked with many different materials throughout her long career. Rachel was known for her amazing wood engravings, sculptures, and designs made from wrought iron. Her art could be found in many places, from book illustrations to church sculptures and even pub signs!
Contents
Rachel Reckitt's Life and Art
Early Life and Art School
Rachel Reckitt was born in 1908 in St Albans, England. She lived there until 1922. Then, her family moved to a big country house called Golsoncott in Somerset.
Rachel first went to the Taunton School of Art. From 1933 to 1937, she studied wood engraving in London. She learned at the Grosvenor School of Modern Art. During this time, she started showing her art. She displayed carvings made from stone and wood. She also showed her prints with the Society of Wood Engravers.
New Art Forms and War Work
In 1937, Rachel began making unique signs for pubs in Somerset. These signs were sculptures made from metal sheets and other materials.
During World War II, Rachel helped people in London. She did relief work in the Whitechapel area. She also helped move children safely out of the city. These children went to Golsoncott, her family's home.
After the war, Rachel continued her studies. She spent five years learning sculpture. She also studied lithography, which is a type of printing.
Later Works and Metal Art
Throughout the 1960s, Rachel created many sculptures. She used wood and stone for these pieces. Her style was often modern and "constructivist." This means her art focused on shapes and structures.
From 1970 to 1975, Rachel learned a new skill: welding. She was taught how to work with wrought iron. After this, she made sculptures and other items from steel and metal. She worked from her home in Somerset.
One of her most famous metal pieces is Jacob Wrestling with the Angel. It is made from wrought iron and aluminum. You can see it in St Bartholomew's Church in Rodhuish. Many churches near Golsoncott have Rachel's art. These include sculptures, altar screens, or painted pulpits.
Exhibitions and Legacy
Rachel Reckitt was a member of several art groups. These included the Society of Wood Engravers. She also belonged to the British Artist Blacksmiths' Association. She had her own art shows at places like the Bridgwater Arts Centre. The British Museum even has some of her prints.
In 2001, a special exhibition of her work traveled around. A book about her art was also published. In 2011, another show displayed her metalwork.
The famous author Penelope Lively was Rachel Reckitt's niece. Penelope wrote about Rachel in her books. After Rachel passed away, her home, Golsoncott, was sold. The money from the sale helped create the Golsoncott Foundation. This foundation supports the arts in Rachel's memory.
Books Illustrated by Rachel Reckitt
Rachel Reckitt also illustrated several books:
- Voices on the Green by ARJ Wise & RA Smith, (Joseph), 1945
- London, South of the River by SP Myers, (Elek, Visions of England series), 1949
- English Country Short Stories by Walter de la Mare, (Elek), 1949
- People with Six Legs by M Bosanquet, (Faber and Faber), 1953
- Seven Psalms, (Skelton's Press), 1981
