Sven Berlin 1911 - 1999.
Sven Berlin was born in London in 1911 of a Swedish father and English mother.
He was a leading member of the St. Ives Artist’s Circle in the 1940’s, with Terry Frost and Barbara Hepworth - and in 1946 was a founder member of the Penwith Society of Artists and the Crypt Group, which included the Modern Painters Peter Lanyon, Brian Wynter and Sven’s close friend John Wells.
In 1951 Sven’s work was exhibited at Heals of Tottenham Court Road in what was then The Mansard Gallery, in the Fifteen Artists and Craftsmen from around St. Ives exhibition which included work by Ben Nicholson, Patrick Heron, Bernard Leach, Alfred Wallis, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Lanyon, Wynter, Wells, Hepworth and Frost.
After leaving St. Ives in 1953 Sven lived in a caravan in the New Forest, Hampshire with his wife Julia and later they moved to his home and studio in Wimborne, Dorset,
Although initially renowned as a sculptor, Sven’s perceptive eye and love of nature is evident in his pencil and pen and ink drawings, particularly of wildlife; whilst his vibrant and colourful paintings and many self portraits are inimitable and are now in great demand.
He was also a respected author, philosopher and poet. Indeed, it is difficult to fully comprehend the diversity, energy and massive creative talent that existed within this legendary figure.
Sven’s sculptures have been represented at the Tate Gallery, London and his work is to be found in many private collections throughout the world.
Sven died at his home near Wimborne, Dorset, England in December 1999. |
