Derek Higginson (1930 - 2020)

In Memoriam

It is with great sadness that we announce Derek Higginson passed away in March 2020. Barewall are honoured to have had the chance to work with Derek and June, and we wish the family all the very best.

Early Life and Training

Derek Higginson was a British oil painter born in The Potteries. He studied at The Burslem School of Art from 1944 to 1950, starting at age 14, where he gained his National Diploma in Lithography and Design. He was taught by Reginald Haggar, who was a great mentor to him, and was friends at the Art School with William Bowyer.

Artistic Influences and Notable Works

Like Arthur Berry, Derek was influenced by L.S. Lowry, and he also met Lowry at the Burslem art school and at Lowry's home and studio in Manchester. Derek sat for William Bowyer's painting of a customer in a barber shop, "Short Back and Sides 1955" (oil), which now hangs in the fine art gallery of The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery. Explore works like DH24 Armistice Day, Paris and To The Match Signed Ltd Edition Print.

Professional Career

After leaving the art school, Derek worked for a number of years in the Pottery industry, designing for Ridgways Pottery. He later taught art at secondary schools including Bishops Bright and Saint Gregory's Schools, as well as in the evening at Stafford Prison.

Exhibitions and Memberships

Derek was a member and exhibited with "Unit of Ten", a group of 10 artists which included Harry Smith and Bill Harper, from the 1950s to 1980s. He also exhibited with the "Free Painters & Sculptors" and "The Staffordshire Art Club" (as a founder member), exhibiting mostly in the Midlands and North of England. He became a member of The Staffordshire Society of Artists (SSA) in 1978 under Haggar's leadership.

Collections and Legacy

His work has been bought and is in the collections of many Potteries celebrities as well as notable collections in Ireland, London, and the USA. Barewall were delighted to work with Derek to bring a number of his works from his studio in the Potteries to sale for the first time, starting with an exhibition at the Burslem School of Art (21st October to 4th November 2017).