Iconic Irish Artist Graham Knuttel passed away: We are very saddened to announce the demise news of an amazing artist Graham Knuttel.
Graham Knuttel is a renowned and extremely collectible sculptor. Our sincere sympathies to all of his family and friends at this sad and difficult time. Keep reading to know more about Graham Knuttel.
Graham Knuttel death
Graham Knuttel was an Irish painter and sculptor, and many famous people, like Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Frank Sinatra, Eddie Jordan, and Michael Stipe, have collections of his work.
As per the official announcement posted on Knuttel’s Facebook page, it was confirmed that he passed away peacefully on 27th May. The announcement reads the following,
It is with great sadness that we write to let you know that Graham passed away peacefully on Saturday 27th of May, 2023, surrounded by his family.
You will know that he engaged in life as he engaged in his art – that is to say, boldly and without reserve. He greatly valued the cut and thrust of debate and the vivid colors that satire and dark humor deliver. We know that he is grateful to you all for having made the connection.
Get to know Iconic Irish Artist
Graham Knuttel is an Irish figurative artist famed for his iconic paintings and sculptures. He was first famous for his sculptures but later turned to painting.
Knuttel’s Early Life and Career
In 1954, Graham Knuttel was born in Dublin. In 1947, his German mother and English mother—both R.A.F. veterans—moved to Ireland from England.
Knuttel recalls well how his cruel grandmother once tried to lock him in his father’s “huge dark wardrobe” and how his grandfather was a World War I veteran.
He acknowledges that he can still hear her giggling and feel the back of his neck being scratched by her claws. His mother’s side of the family is reported to be more normal and has ties to the art world closer than his father’s side, which is shrouded in darkness and mystery.
Thomas Cooper Gotch, the man who started the Newlyn School of Painters, and the well-known English actor Cary Grant, who featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief, are both connected to Knuttel.
Knuttel has a sister who is almost 10 years older than him and a brother (Peter, the father of the artist Jonathan Knuttel). Due to the age difference, he felt independent and free to pursue his own goals.
Schooling and college life
Knuttel didn’t care much for academics and didn’t spend much time in school; instead, he spent his time discovering Dublin’s café and pub culture as well as its rugged coastline.
During his time off from school, he started to become engrossed in drawing and art. At the age of 18, he joined the Dn Laoghaire College of Art and Design, where the bohemian atmosphere suited him.
His education at Dn Laoghaire prepared him for his preferred field of figurative representational painting, which he discovered there. Nevertheless, several new American instructors did not give his painting technique the widespread praise it now has.
Also, to complete his final year of college, Knuttel had to switch from painting to sculpture since they valued art in a different way. Although this change was unintended, Knuttel developed a fresh love for the work.
Global Recognition
He rapidly received recognition for his work that he had not received during his degree. He received the Royal Canada Trust Award for Young Sculptors in 1976 at the age of 22.
Knuttel founded the Wicklow Fine Art Press five years later, in 1981, and began receiving commissions from clients including actor Sylvester Stallone, author John B. Keane of Ireland, and boxing promoter Don King.
Additionally, he has done work for Saatchi & Saatchi London, Goldman Sachs International, and the Swiss Bank Corporation.
Moreover, he was awarded a certificate for an exhibition of mechanical wooden sculptures of a bird and pieces with a shield and a portcullis with medieval themes.
Read some condolences posted online by Graham’s fans:
Robbie McCubbin
I worked in La Stampa restaurant years ago & remember the huge paintings of Grahams that were on the walls in the reception area. They were truly amazing. I have a smaller painting at home which was a present from my wife & I love it. Thank you Graham RIP.
William Robinson
I have many fond memories of Graham during his early days in Art School in Dun Laoire, he was always so positive about life! In those days his creativity showed through along with his sense of fun God Bless him and his family!
Kieran Hearty
Sorry for your loss – I first remember seeing Graham’s work on the walls of La Stampa on Dawson Street, in Dublin, and for my birthday more than 20 years ago my wife gave me this print, which has hung on our kitchen wall since then. My one regret was not buying an original piece.
Nicola McKeown
Oh, I’m so sad to hear this. I learned of Graham’s art when I went to a restaurant in Newry (The Shelbourne) they have several pieces of his work all around the restaurant and I loved every single one displayed. Rest in peace
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Lavanya (Senior Editor) is a full-time content writer with almost 5 years of experience and a part-time teacher. She joined Medico Topics on the Breaking News trainee scheme in 2022 and now works on MedicoTopics.com. As a lifelong learner, She is constantly curious about learning new things and passionate about sharing knowledge with people through her writing and teaching.