Birley, Sir Oswald

A Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Art | 1999 | 700+ words | Copyright

Birley, Sir Oswald (1880–1952). British painter, mainly of portraits, born in Auckland, New Zealand, the son of wealthy parents who were making a world tour. He was educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge, and had his main artistic training at the Académie Julian, Paris, 1901–4. From 1906 he worked mainly in London, although he travelled extensively. In 1928 he did a portrait of King George V (National Museum and Gallery, Cardiff) and thereafter painted many other members of the royal family, as well as leading statesmen and military leaders. His style was blandly accomplished. In 1943 he lost the sight in one eye after an accident when he was serving in the Home Guard, but he continued to paint. There are examples of his work in the National Portrait Gallery, London. He also painted landscapes and occasional figure subjects.

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IAN CHILVERS. "Birley, Sir Oswald." A Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Art. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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