Victor Anton ~ Etching

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Victor Anton (1909-1980)
Triangular Composition
1957
Etching (3/12)
Signed 'Anton 57'
6 x 3.5 ins / 14.5cm x 9.5 cm

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Additional Information

Victor Anthony Worsfold (Victor Anton) was born in Worthing on 27th October 1909. He was a British painter and sculptor in wood, perspex, metal and stone.

The youngest of four siblings, Anton’s eldest brother volunteered, when under age, for active service at the outbreak of WWI. In 1923, at the age of 14, Anton left school and started working for the Worthing Gazette. Anton soon became the sports photographer and, by the outbreak of WWII, was the paper’s editor.

Anton had a keen interest in, and cared passionately about, the events in Europe at the time. While living in Worthing he gave refuge to several Spanish Civil War refugees.

At the outbreak of WWII, Anton volunteered as a fire-fighter and worked with crews along the south coast. In 1942 he declined an invitation to take a commission in the RAF and susequenlty served three years in prison as a conscientious objector. While in prison, Anton was put in charge of a team of Italian POWs working as farm labourers.

After the War, Anton moved to Loughton in Essex, married and started a family.

In the early 1950s, Anton began what was to become a long lasting friendship and commercial relationship with Charles (Ernest) and Peter (Pierre) Gimpel. The Gimpel Fils gallery represented Anton for over 25 years.

In the ealy 1960s, Anton and his family moved to London - staying at first with John Latham (1921-2006) and his family near Holland Park before moving to their own home in Belsize Park. Anton continued to sculpt and paint while earning a living as a newspaper editor.

Anton exhibited in the U.K. and internationally with the British Council. Solo exhibitions include Northumberland Avenue Gallery, London (1952); Gimpel Fils Gallery, London (1953), Gabowski Gallery, London (1963); Lords Gallery (1965); University of Birmingham (1974)

Group Exhibitions included ‘Contemporary British Artists’ (British Council), France (1951); Gimpel Fils Gallery, London (1952, 1967 and 1969); Hendon Experimental Arts Club (1953); I.C.A., London (1958); ‘British Artist Craftsmen’ (British Council), U.S.A. (1959-60); Drian Gallery, London (1959); Paris Gallery (1959); ‘Exposition International de Sculpture’, La Sarraz (1963), ‘Sculpture 60-66’ (Arts Council), London (1967).

Victor Anton died in London on 27th September 1980, aged 70.