Wire Figure on Platform

Credit LineGift of the Estate of Albert Edward Templar, 1993.

Object number1993.039.154

Label TextThis wire sculpture resembles a lay figure, an art tool that is primarily used for refining figure drawing and painting. Lay figures can be used for planning compositions, determining scale, and practicing figurative drawing. This sculpture belonged to Albert Edward Templar (1897-1992) who started his art career in 1913, at the age of sixteen. After high school, Templar began an apprenticeship at London printing and lithography company Lawson & Jones, before completing training at Knowles & Company lithography firm. During this time, Templar was also attending classes at the newly opened Technical and Commercial School (now H. B. Beal Secondary), taking art lessons from instructor David Wilke. Templar would eventually teach commercial design at the school. Following the First World War, Templar went to study at the prestigious National Academy of Design in New York City, where he received academic training in fine art. Upon graduating, Templar permanently returned to London, pursuing a life-long art career.

NameSculpture