Artistic Career and Achievements
Reid Dick's career was marked by numerous significant accomplishments:
- Royal Academy Exhibitions: He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1908 and became an Associate in 1921, later achieving full membership in 1928.
- Royal Commissions: Appointed Sculptor in Ordinary for Scotland to King George VI in 1938, a position he held until his death.
- Presidency: Served as President of the Royal Society of British Sculptors from 1933 to 1938.
- Knighthood: Knighted in 1935 for his contributions to the arts.
Notable Works
Reid Dick's oeuvre includes a variety of significant sculptures:
Royal Air Force Memorial (1923): Located on London's Victoria Embankment, featuring a prominent eagle sculpture.
- Kitchener Memorial Chapel (1922–1925): Contributed sculptures to this chapel in St. Paul's Cathedral, London.
- Lady Godiva (1949): An equestrian statue situated in Broadgate, Coventry.
Portrait Busts: Created numerous busts, including one of Sir Winston Churchill in 1942.
Artistic Style and Legacy
Reid Dick's style is characterized by a blend of classical tradition and modern stylization. His sculptures often exhibit a refined simplicity and a deep understanding of form. Despite a period of diminished recognition in the late 20th century, recent reassessments have acknowledged his significant contributions to British sculpture.
Sir William Reid Dick passed away in London in 1961. His legacy endures through his numerous public sculptures and his influence on subsequent generations of sculptors.