Terry Frost facts for kids

Sir Terence Ernest Manitou Frost (born October 13, 1915 – died September 1, 2003) was a famous British artist. He was known for his abstract art, which means his paintings didn't show real objects. Instead, he used shapes, colors, and lines to express feelings or ideas. Terry Frost lived and worked in Newlyn, Cornwall, a beautiful place in England. He was very good at using the special light and colors of Cornwall in his art. He helped start a new art style in England and became a very important artist.

Becoming an Artist

Terry Frost was born in Leamington Spa, England, in 1915. He didn't start painting until he was in his 30s. When he was 14, he left school and worked in a bike shop. Later, he worked at a factory called Armstrong Whitworth.

World War II and Art Discovery

During World War II, Terry Frost served in the army. He was a commando and fought in places like France and Greece. In 1941, he was captured in Crete and became a prisoner of war. He was held in a camp in Germany called Stalag 383.

While he was a prisoner, he met another artist named Adrian Heath. Adrian encouraged Terry to start painting. Terry later said that these years were a "tremendous spiritual experience." He felt more aware and saw things differently, even when he was hungry.

Art School and Early Work

After the war, Terry Frost went to art school. He first studied at Birmingham College of Art. Then he went to Camberwell School of Art in London. In 1946, he spent a year at the St. Ives School of Painting in Cornwall. He had his first art show there in 1947.

He returned to London and continued his studies. In 1949, he painted his first abstract artwork. This was a big step for him.

Connecting with the St Ives School

Terry Frost loved Cornwall. He joined the St Ives Society of Artists and later the Penwith Society. He kept a strong connection to the art community in Newlyn, Cornwall. In 1951, he worked as an assistant to a famous sculptor named Barbara Hepworth. He also worked with another artist, Roger Hilton, on art projects using collage.

Teaching and Recognition

Terry Frost also had a career as a teacher. He taught art at several colleges, including Bath Academy of Art and Coventry College of Art. He was also a special art fellow at the University of Leeds. There, he became friends with artist Stass Paraskos, who invited him to teach in Cyprus.

In 1958, he joined the London Group, a famous art group. He later moved back to St Ives and then to Banbury. He became a professor of painting at the University of Reading.

Awards and Legacy

Terry Frost became a very respected artist. In 1992, he was elected a Royal Academician. This is a great honor for artists in the UK. In 1998, he was even made a Knight Bachelor, which means he was given the title "Sir."

A big show of his artworks was held in 2000. He is remembered as an important artist who brought new ideas to British art.

Family Life

Terry Frost married Kathleen Clarke in 1945. They had six children: five sons and one daughter. Art was a big part of their family! Two of his sons, Adrian and Anthony, also became artists. His grandson, Luke Frost, who is Anthony's son, is also an artist. One of his other sons, Stephen, became a comedian and actor.

Selected Artworks

This is a list of some of Terry Frost's many artworks. He created paintings, screenprints, etchings, and collages.

See also

• List of St. Ives artists