Maximilian Gustav Alfred Cecil Michaelis (born: 19 August 1913 - died: 3 May 1997), was an artist who also practised in glass and ceramics, and a philanthropist who encouraged crafts and design. He was the only son of Sir Max Michaelis, a South African randlord.
Cecil Michaelis | |
|---|---|
| Born | Maximilian Gustav Alfred Cecil Michaelis 19 August 1913 Cabourg, France |
| Died | 3 May 1997 (aged 83) Aix-en-Provence, France |
| Nationality | South African |
| Education | Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art |
| Known for | Ceramic art, painting |
Early life and education
editCecil Michaelis was born in Cabourg, France, in 1913, the son of Sir Max Michaelis, a British citizen of German-Jewish extraction who was a self-made Randlord in South Africa, and Lady Lillian Elizabeth Michaelis (?-1969, London).[1] He studied at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art in Oxford, and then moved to Paris where he studied under Henri Dimier and Othon Friesz, and was advised by Georges Rouault and André Derain.[2]
Career
editAlthough his family wealth precluded a formal career, Michaelis worked tirelessly at his art, drawing and sculpture whilst dividing his time between France, South Africa and Great Britain. In 1935 Sir Max Michaelis purchased Rycote Park near Thame in Oxfordshire, for Cecil's use while he was studying at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art in Oxford. It remained one of his residences until his death.[3]
Teapots
editOne of Michaelis' specialities was making teapots, most especially with anti-drip spouts. Whilst serving in the British Army in Sicily he was renowned for both making and teaching the manufacture of teapots.
Exhibitions
editHis work was exhibited widely from 1940 to 1980 in Paris, New York and London.[4]
Rycotewood College
editIn the late 1930s his philanthropy established Rycotewood College in the nearby town of Thame as a school dedicated to developing skilled craftsmen. In 2003 it merged with Oxford City College and the Rycote Furniture Centre courses were moved to Oxpens road.[5]
Montebello Design Centre
editIn 1988 he donated part of his Cape Town estate to the University of Cape Town so as to set up the Montebello Design Center.[6][7][8]
References
edit- ^ "Michaelis - Ancestry.co.uk". search.ancestry.co.uk. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
- ^ Obituary of Cecil Michaelis by Nicholas Penny, The Independent, 17 May 1997
- ^ "(originally written 17/06/10) Rycote Park – a stroll through England's history / Thame.net". www.thame.net. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
- ^ "Cecil Michaelis. Oiginal [sic] lithographic poster. Galerie de Varenne, Paris 1960. by MICHAELIS, CECIL.: Galerie de Varenne., Paris Paperback, First edition, Signed by Author(s) - Roe and Moore". www.abebooks.co.uk. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
- ^ "Descendants of first Rycotewood principal discover his legacy in Oxford". Oxford Mail. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
- ^ "Shopping up a storm with mom and pop". The Mail & Guardian. 17 December 1999. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
- ^ "Register of Building Names: Montebello Stables" (PDF). University of Cape Town. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 September 2020.
- ^ "Interview with the Heads of the Montebello Design Centre". x-working Comunidade e Revista de Arte (in European Portuguese). 22 February 2018. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2020.