About the Artists Database

The NIVAL Artists Database has been compiled in order to improve public access to the Library's extensive information files on 20th century and contemporary Irish artists.  These files contain exhibition catalogues, newspaper cuttings and ephemera on over 3,500 artists born or based in Ireland.

The Artists Database is a reference resource providing basic biographical and work details on each artist abstracted from the information contained in the hard copy files held in the Library.  It is important to realise that the records are a summary of the information held in each artist's file.  A visit to NIVAL is recommended to researchers seeking a comprehensive view of the actual files.

Although we have endeavoured to ensure the information is correct, it is inevitable, given the diverse sources of information, that some inaccuracies may occur.  Changes and updates are made on an ongoing basis and the Library welcomes suggestions, criticism, and donations of relevant material.

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  • Reference Code:IE/NIVAL AR/245
  • First Name: Michael
  • Last Name: Biggs
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: 1928
  • Date of Death: 1993
  • Place of Birth: Stockport, England.
  • Nationality: British
  • Area Of Practice:
    • Sculpture
    • Printmaking
  • Artwork Type Technique:
    • Stone
    • Site Specific Works
  • Abstract/Figurative: Abstract
  • Genre:
    • Stone Carving
  • Interests:
    • Religion
  • Represented By: Not Specified
  • Public Art: Yes
  • Size: 5
  • Manuscript Material: No
  • Physical Location: Artist Files Collection
  • Public Collection:
    • Numerous - see file

Awards

Numerous Stone Carving Commissions.

Education

No Date Calligraphy Apprenticeship at the Cribb Brothers, Sussex.

Notes

Biggs was a liturgical artist whose work can be seen in a great number of churches throughout Ireland. These include: Holy Cross Dominican Church in Sligo, St Michael's in Dun Laoghaire and Monaghan Cathederal. He had a special interest in lettering and was apprenticed to the Cribb Brothers in Sussex. Husband to musician and painter Frances Biggs, he produced a limited number of prints in his life time and received many major commissions. These include the Proclamation (outside the GPO, Dublin), the Garden of Remembrance, St Patrick's College and Gonzaga College Chapel. Files contains a catalogue for the Evie Hone Memorial exhibition in UCD's Great Hall in Dublin, 1958 with neatly drawn versions of the text for the memorial tablet to Sir William Hamilton at Broome Bridge on the Royal Canal in north Dublin. Michael Biggs provided illustrations for 'Irish Writing', a quarterly magazine, examples are available in NIVAL.