Art

Butler, Rosemary (14 of 14). National Life Story Collection: Artists' Lives.

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  • Type

    sound

  • Duration

    00:17:35

  • Shelf mark

    C466/94

  • Subjects

    Art

  • Recording date

    2000-06-29

  • Recording locations

    Interviewee's home, Hertfordshire

  • Interviewees

    Butler, Rosemary, 1930- (speaker, female)

  • Interviewers

    Whiteley, Gillian (speaker, female)

  • Abstract

    Summer activities. Reg's interest in cars. Citroen. Keeping car going was major summer job every year. Re-styled car bonnet in shell-bronze. Worked a lot on cars before doing painted bronzes - used P38 filler and car paints. Realizes now that they worked with P38, car-body building material, on large painted figures later. He liked idea of paint wearing off and seeing bronze show through on his large painted bronzes. Freitas Gallery in Caracas recently brought out the large painted bronzes to show in New York - said they were dirty and Rosemary replied telling them not to use any chemicals at all on them, let them weather, deteriorate as time goes by. Rosemary's mother. She eventually accepted Rosemary's relationship with Reg and Jo - after Cortina's birth. She retired at 67 as Registrar and then became guide in Westminster Abbey. Finally died at age 90 years. Her drive had got Rosemary to artschool. Balthus greatly admired by Reg. Balthus accused of being pornographic - as was Reg's late work. Reg couldn't understand that kind of reaction. Many people embarassed, couldn't cope with them - always brought a reaction either if enthusiasm or repulsion. Idea of painted bronze was revolutionary at time he made them. Range of technical innovations throughout his life. Most important of all Reg's sculpture - would be Tate iron woman, girl form 1954 and one of painted bronzes with legs tipped up. Still thinks painted bronzes were, and still are, amazing - especially the ones that are flung on the bases. Reg's journey links up - lots of connections throughout all the work - balance, simplicity, conviction - exciting adventure, all linked.

  • Description

    Rosemary Butler is the wife of the late sculptor, Reg Butler (1913-1981). Over the course of this interview, she discusses Reg Butler's life and work.

  • Related transcripts

    Rosemary Butler interviewed by Gillian Whiteley: full transcript of the interview

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