Edgar Britton
“Born in Kearney, Nebraska, Edgar Britton was a muralist, bronze sculptor, and landscape painter. He studied at the University of Iowa from 1918-1920, and with Grant Wood from 1920-1924.” (1)
“His reputation was established during the Depression years when he did numerous paintings and murals for the Federal Art Project including serving as Director from 1940 to 1941 of the mural division of the Illinois Art Project. His fresco work, completed for the Works Progress Administration, is in the Waterloo, Iowa Post Office; and Chicago Heights, Illinois at Bloom High School. On June 3, 1982, it was named the first high school in Illinois to be a National Historic site, in part because of the Edgar Britton's frescoes, which are in the entrance of the building and on other walls throughout Bloom High School.” (2)
“Britton was influenced by the social-realist style of the Mexican muralists including Diego Rivera, Jose Orozco, and David Siqueiros.” (3)
“Britton was soon diagnosed with tuberculosis, and his doctor advised him to move to the drier climate of Colorado. He remained in Colorado for the rest of his life and devoted his time to creating sculptures. He was commissioned to do sculptural work in Colorado Springs and Denver. At the request of Boardman Robinson, he became an instructor of painting at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. He was an instructor at the Fine Arts Center from 1943-1950. He was also an instructor of painting at the Fountain Valley School from 1942-1950. From 1967 to 1971, Britton was a member of the Fine Arts Commission of Denver, and he served as President of the Artists Equity in Colorado Springs.” (1)
Reference:
1.
David Cook Galleries Staff. Edgar Britton (1901-1982) [internet]. 2019 [cited 2019 Jul 9]. Available from: http://www.davidcookgalleries.com/artist/edgar-britton
2.
Askart Staff. Biography from the Archives of askART [internet]. [cited 2019 Jul 9]. Available from: http://www.askart.com/artist_bio/Edgar_Britton/45003/Edgar_Britton.aspx
3.
Bernard Friedman. Edgar Britton [internet]. 2019 [cited 2019 Jul 9]. Available from: http://www.chicagomodern.org/artists/edgar_britton/