Home / Arts and Entertainment / Poet, Novelist, Artist: Edward Lucie-Smith Dies at 93
Poet, Novelist, Artist: Edward Lucie-Smith Dies at 93
12 Jul
Summary
- He was a prolific writer on art, poetry, and novels.
- His poem 'The Lesson' was included in a major anthology.
- He chaired 'The Group,' a significant poetry circle.
Edward Lucie-Smith, a distinguished poet, novelist, photographer, and prolific art writer, died at the age of 93. His career was marked by a rapid output, often characterized by a deep understanding of art and artists, informed by his own creative practice.
Lucie-Smith's notable poem, "The Lesson," which candidly recounts learning of his father's death, was anthologized by Philip Larkin. His work frequently blended elegance with candor, exploring themes of grief, identity, and sensuality.
He was a central figure in the poetry scene, chairing "The Group" in the late 1950s. This literary circle provided a platform for poets to share work and engage in critical discussion, with Lucie-Smith's leadership fostering an environment of formal yet open critique.
His writings on art spanned diverse subjects, from Renaissance masters like Rubens to contemporary and provocative art forms, including erotic and gay art. Lucie-Smith championed emerging artists and maintained a critical distance from hype, advocating for artistic democracy.
Born in Jamaica in 1933, Lucie-Smith's early life and education, including his time at King's School, Canterbury, and Merton College, Oxford, shaped his literary and critical sensibilities. He navigated complex personal themes, including his homosexuality, often using dramatic monologues as a form of self-expression.
In his later years, Lucie-Smith continued to engage with contemporary art and cultural debates, offering sharp critiques of tokenism in art institutions and supporting movements like the Stuckists. His extensive oeuvre leaves a lasting legacy on art criticism and poetry.
