Robert Kiddey (1900 - 1984)
Artist, sculptor, teacher.
Gallery at Bottom
Robert Kiddey (1900-1984) was a distinguished English sculptor, artist, and teacher, born on May 21, 1900, in Nottingham, Kiddey became a prominent figure in the art world, particularly known for his sculptures and contributions to art education in Newark-on-Trent
Robert Kiddey.
by David Fargher
Jan 2025
Newark Historic Profiles - Robert Kiddey (1900 - 1984) Artist, sculptor, teacher.
To celebrate the siting of the new sculptures and the New arts Trails (details at bottom) in Newark the below goes into detail about the Man behind the art.
Its important to understand the artist and his wide ranging impact on the arts world (and his massive impact on Newark)
Robert Kiddey (1900-1984) was a distinguished English sculptor, artist, and teacher, born on May 21, 1900, in Nottingham, Kiddey became a prominent figure in the art world, particularly known for his sculptures and contributions to art education in Newark-on-Trent
Robert Kiddey, a name synonymous with Newark's rich artistic heritage, was not just an artist and sculptor but also a dedicated teacher and WW1 veteran. This article delves into his life, work, and lasting impact on the community and art world
What I found was a well-read, gentle, considered, and humble man of short stature, often seen in a trilby hat, thorn-proof jacket, shirt, tie, and knife-sharp pressed trousers.
Hes been described as a true gentleman, with simple tastes. A big influence of his was Herbert Read, who influenced Robert in a big way (Herbert said that art should be central to education, which obviously stuck as Robert spend 50+ years teaching). He was also a regular member of discussion groups in the town, getting together to discuss and debate, art, philosophy and science.
Kiddey influenced hundreds of pupils during his 50 years of teaching in Newark. Many of his artworks and sculptures can be found right here in the Museum of the Town Hall (and there are more places locally, detailed below but if you get chance, go into the Town hall museum and gallery to see “The Divine Tragedy”) (ive included a link to an album containing a lot of his works at the bottom, its well worth a look as there is a wealth of pieces of various media)
In the 1920s, Kiddey achieved his first major success with a plaster panel in low relief entitled "The Divine Tragedy," which can be seen in the Newark Town Hall and Art Gallery. This piece was accepted by the Royal Academy and the Salon des Beaux Arts in Paris, earning Kiddey two rarely-awarded Mention Honorables during his career.
In 1932, his work was displayed at the Goupil Gallery alongside pieces by Augustus John, Eric Gill, and Picasso.
There has been a lot of conversations happening regarding the siting of the Kiddey Sculptures at Castle House. I encourage everyone to read about this great man and understand the significance of his sculptures and to understand some more about him (and to understand some fact about the moving of the sculptures).
Right. Who was Robert Kiddey?
Robert Kiddey was a renowned artist and sculptor. Kiddeys view was “simplicity is the basis of true art”, and this can be seen in his catalogue of works.
Kiddey's talent for art emerged at an early age. Born in 1900 in St Annes, he showed a remarkable aptitude for art from a young age. At 14, he enrolled at Nottingham School of Art on Waverley Street. His father recognised early on is talents and was able to fund his education, having an opportunity many didn’t have.
Following active service in the First World War (the 51st Gr.Bn.T.R. Notts and Derbys Regt. (Sherwood Foresters)), he moved to Newark in 1931 as an art teacher at the newly opened Technical College.
Newark became his permanent home, and he set up studios in various locations around the town, including the wharf, the market place, and a former infant school at 5a King Street.
From these studios, Kiddey produced an impressive array of sculptures, carvings, and paintings that adorned private homes and public buildings, including Southwell Minster. His work received recognition at the Royal Academy and other prestigious art venues.
His experiences during the war likely influenced his later work as an artist and sculptor. One notable example is his piece "The Divine Tragedy," a study of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which reflects themes of suffering and sacrifice. The war may have deepened his understanding of these themes, allowing him to convey profound emotions through his sculptures and carvings. Additionally, his time in the war likely instilled a sense of discipline and resilience, qualities that would have been essential in his long and productive career as an artist and teacher.
Newark Civic Trust, featured a wonderful biography/ article on Kiddey in their 2012 magazine, written by Patty Temple, which is a fantastic read (Page 13 onwards - Newark Civic Trust Magazine). http://www.newarkcivictrust.org.uk/.../newarkcivictrust...
Robert Kiddey's Impact in Newark
Robert Kiddey spent 50 years teaching and crafting in Newark, leaving a lasting legacy through his influence and teachings, which continue to inspire students today. He produced many significant works, including the Kiddey Stones, a series of 12 stone pieces forming four panels that depict various aspects of electricity production.
In 1942, Kiddey designed a well-known poster for War Weapons Week to raise funds for the war effort. This poster was displayed on the Newark Town Hall, tracking the funds as they were raised. It really showcased his commitment to using art for social and civic purposes.
He passed away in Newark in 1984, and a blue plaque commemorates him at Mill Gate, where his studio was located.
Those who knew him remember him as a highly gifted, modest man with old-fashioned manners, often seen in a trilby hat, thorn-proof jacket, shirt, tie and knife sharp pressed trousers.
One of his former students recalled, 'Mr. Kiddey was more than a teacher; he was a mentor who inspired us to see the world through the lens of art”
I had the privilege of being shown some of Kiddey's suspected murals in a private Grade 2 listed 17th century residence in Newark recently. These breathtaking murals, discovered during a restoration project, are believed to be Kiddey's work. One room is entirely covered in a landscape scene depicting the Trent Valley, the other a beautiful scenes – as yet, I am yet to obtain evidence that these are actually his, but further investigation is ongoing.
Where to See His Art
You can find a lovely collection of Robert Kiddey's art and sculptures at the Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery, including "The Divine Tragedy" (1919), which has been exhibited regularly in Newark, Nottingham Castle, Lincoln, and Goupil Galleries in London. This piece was accepted at the Royal Academy and highly praised at the Salon des Beaux Arts in Paris, where Kiddey was awarded two Mention Honorables.
Southwell Minster also holds Kiddey's work, including "The Flight into Egypt," a beautiful six-panel wood carving in Burmese teak. This piece, given to the Minster by George Bennett, an old friend of Kiddeys, in 1987, depicts Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus fleeing into Egypt. The artwork reflects both light humor and the darkness of the refugee crisis, contrasting the tired donkey with superior-looking camels.
St Marys Church in Newark also contains some of Kiddeys art - The sculptured panel in the south transept is his. It is set up above Books of Remembrance as part of the town’s memorial to the fallen of both World Wars. It takes the form of a pietà, i.e. a depiction of Mary the Mother of Jesus weeping over his body as she receives it from the cross.
In the north transept is a crucifixion panel bearing the inscription “Robert Kiddey, 1900-1984. Artist, Sculptor, Teacher and Resident of Newark”. The Crucifixion panel was given to the church by his family in 1996.
In 1998, on the closure of St Augustine's Mission Church, Newark church received a third Kiddey work, a Cross of Nails, which had been donated to St Augustine's by Joan Thomas in memory of her mother.
There are also other local churches showcasing his art (Holme church - The last supper , The Crusifixion, Elston Church – Darwin Memorial
You can also see Kiddeys early work when he was under the tutorage of Joseph Else – Just head to Nottingham Council House, stand between the Lions and look up. The frieze is his.
he also designed the statues of the miners at the main entrance of County Hall
Additionally, Kiddey's sculptures can be seen at Newark Technical College, Newark Rowing Club, St. Mary's Church, and various other local churches.
And now, the Kiddey Sculptures can now be seen outside Castle House in Newark
The Importance of Art
Art is absolutely essential. It encompasses more than just paintings or modern art; it is integral to everything we do as a species, from our clothing and entertainment to our interactions with the world. Art is communication, education, social progress, and expression. Art cannot be disentangled from humanity.. thousands of years ago, we as a species were painting on cave walls, art is and has always been an intrinsic part of what makes us a wonderful species.
Art serves as a fantastic channel for expression, self-confidence, identity, and connection with the world and others. Robert Kiddey was a pivotal figure in Newark, inspiring many and hopefully continuing to inspire future generations.
The Kiddey Sculptures
The Kiddey Sculptures, often referred to as Stones, are large sculptures commissioned in 1957 for Wilford Power Station, by then the nationalised electricity board. They depict workers involved in various aspects of power production in Nottinghamshire. They are very much on the Social Realism School and the ideals of communism that Kiddey had come across during his earlier travels in Eastern Europe. The sculptures consist of 12 pieces of stone forming four panels, each measuring over 2 meters in height and 1 meter in width, and collectively weighing around 8 tonnes.
Are they important?
The Kiddey Sculptures highlight the significance of a renowned local artist and the region's industrial links to power production. By showcasing such works, we honour our district's heritage and inspire future artists.
It should be possible for residents and visitors to be able to experience works of this quality without having to visit a gallery or sculpture park. “By displaying works like this, we not only honour our district’s heritage, but looking forward we also hope to inspire future artists to pick up a pencil, brush or chisel to create the great works of the future. I would like to encourage as many residents as possible to share their views on this important public consultation.”
Why You Might Be Hearing About These Sculptures Now
The sculptures have had a tumultuous history since Wilford Power Station was demolished in the 1980s, leaving them without a home.
Over the years, various locations were considered for their display, covering many locations in Newark, but ultimately, a location could not be decided.
In 2001, they were moved to Newark Cemetery for storage, and in 2023, plans were made to site them in the public realm.
In 2024, a decision was made to house the sculptures in front of the NSDC council offices, Castle House, so they can be seen by the public and are connected to an important civil building and hopefully mark the start of a new art trail around Newark Town centre. (they will also be covered by the CCTV there) and reduced risk of vandalism. It would aslo be a welcoming site for peope stepping off the train into Newark to see such Dramatic pieces of Art
The importance of art and heritage to a community cannot be overstated. While opinions on the stones may vary, it is crucial to understand the man behind the sculptures. Art matters, and the influence of a prominent local sculptor should be embraced. The decision to display the Kiddey Sculptures publicly will hopefully bring new visitors to the town and highlight the importance of local art and heritage, even inspire future generations through expressive art.
Kiddey's influence extends beyond his lifetime, inspiring future generations of artists and enriching the cultural fabric of Newark.
you can find more about the new art trails here
