Artist Info
Roderic Westwood Barrett
Roderic Barrett was born in Colchester, Essex in 1920, and studied at the Central School from 1936-39. He was taught life drawing by Bernard Meninksy and William Roberts, (he particularly admired the latter) and learnt wood engraving and illustration from John Farleigh. As a student he engraved a series of illustrations from Cobbett's 'Rural Rides', a project set by Farleigh.
From 1947-68 he was a part-time instructor of drawing and design at the Central School and ran a life class with Hugh Mackinnon. He was invited to be a guest lecturer at Phillips Exeter Academy, New Hampshire from 1957-8 and was a part-time tutor in painting at the RA Schools from 1968-96.
Barrett's main preoccupation is painting and he has had many one-man shows in Britain and the USA. Between 1939 and 1960 he exhibited nine prints with the Society of Wood Engravers and was elected a member in 1952; however, he stopped engraving around 1955-6 and had ceased to be a member by 1965.
Author: JS
