Visual Arts

Michael Biggs

Born in Stockport, Cheshire, UK, Michael Biggs lived in Dublin from 1930, with the exception of 1948-51 when he learnt the rudiments of stone-carving and letter-cutting with Joseph Cribb, successor to Eric Gill, at Ditchling, Sussex. Prior to that, in 1947, he attended the National College of Art in Dublin.

His work includes many public and private inscriptions in stone, wood and bronze throughout Ireland. These include the Moyne commemorative table, TCD (1953); Proclamation of Republic and grave inscriptions at Arbour Hill (1959-63), inscription in portico, GPO (1961), Garda Memorial, Phoenix Park (1966), and the mural inscription at Parnell Square, Dublin (1976).

His book illustrations and embellishments include The Midnight Court (1953); A Gaelic Alphabet (1953); Evangelium secundu Matthaeum (1955, Dolmen); The Word of Life (1959); The City (1960); Collectio Rituum (1960), M.H. Gill); and Way of the Cross (1960, Sceptre). He did the lettering for Central Bank tender notes from 1970. His liturgical designs and carvings are to be found in convents and churches throughout Ireland.

His stonework and lettering are the subject of the National College of Art and Design B. Des. (Hons) thesis by Daphne Whelan, entitled Michael Biggs – Man of Letters and Stones (1996).

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