Walter Ritchie
British sculptor

Walter Ritchie

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British sculptor
Gender:
Male
Places:
United KingdomGreat Britain
Is:
ArtistSculptor
Work field:
Arts
Birth:
27 April 1919
Death:
12 February 1997
Star sign:
Taurus
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Biography

Introduction

Walter Ritchie (1919– 12 February 1997) was a British sculptor.

Biography

Ritchie was one of the last living apprentices of Eric Gill at Pigotts near High Wycombe after the Second World War. Many of his public works were in brick relief, and have suffered loss from building redevelopment.

Sir Herbert Read took an interest in the young sculptor and tried to introduce him to the London social life where he would be assured commissions. Instead, Ritchie chose to stay at home in Kenilworth.

Public works

  • Man's Struggle: Two large Portland stone reliefs in Coventry Precinct (created between 1954 and 1959) Since relocated to the outer wall of the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry.
  • The Queen and the Washerwomen: Intaglio relief in brown-veined Napoleon marble. Commission for Natwest Bank 1980. 32 Corn Street Bristol.
  • The Creation: Series of large carved brick relief panels at Bristol Eye Hospital (created between 1981 and 1986).
  • Len Hutton: Oval Cricket Ground, London (created between 1988 and 1993).
  • Three Aspects of a Girls Education: North Leamington School.
  • Lovers: Brick relief panel, Delapré Abbey Walled Garden, Northampton (damaged).
  • Lady with Kittens: Brick relief panel, Delapré Abbey, Northampton.
  • The Flight into Egypt: Brick relief at St Joseph's Church, Whitnash, Warwickshire.
  • Growth: Aluminium sculpture, Kenilworth School and Sixth Form, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

Publications

  • —— (1978). Sculpture In Brick & Other Materials. Walter Ritchie. ISBN 978-0950620503.
  • —— (1979). Brick Sculptures.
  • —— (1994). Walter Ritchie Sculpture. W. Ritchie. ISBN 978-0950620558.

Illustrations for publications

  • Quadruped Octaves (1983) (ISBN 095062053X / 0-9506205-3-X) Hall, Gaston. Illustrated by W. Ritchie.
  • Alphabet Aviary (1986)by Gaston Hall, ISBN 0-9506205-4-8 illustrations W. Ritchie.

Published by Ritchie (Kenilworth)

  • My time with Eric Gill – A Memoir by Donald Potter (1980) ISBN 0-9506205-1-3. Limited edition of 500 copies [An erratum slip glued into books states that only 400 copies were printed].
  • Damaged Beauty needs a new design: 20 Poems (1981) by John Bate. Limited edition of 310 copies.