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Born 1947,
the son of a Methodist clergyman. Educated Kingswood School, Bath and
Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. Apprenticed as (block) printmaker to
artist Graham Clarke 1965-68. Studied etching at Falmouth School of Art
under Bryan Ingham. Travelled in Italy where he sold his first drawings in 1966.
Married Linda in 1970; they have two sons, a daughter and six grandchildren.
A qualified architect he practised in Worcester 1972-1980. In partnership
with Michael Westby he opened his own gallery, framed, in Friar Street,
Worcester in November 1979. On Michael’s retirement in 2000 the gallery
became Birties of Worcester.
Since his first one-man exhibition at The Room Gallery, Greenwich in 1970 his
work has appeared in galleries up and down the land, in his own exhibitions and
with societies such as the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours and the
Society of Architect-Artists of which he was a Fellow. David has
undertaken commissions for many distinguished clients and his watercolours have
been reproduced as cards and calendars. Bemrose UK of Derby and, more
recently, Rose of Colchester have published several calendar titles of his work
each year for twenty years (Around Britain, Britain in Watercolour
and The David Birtwhistle Collection). Rosenstiel’s have published a
limited edition print and Lance Ranson produced cards. Then in 1990 Birties
of Worcester, the Birtwhistles’ own publishing company commenced production
of cards and reproduction prints. This proved very popular and attracted
an international following and increased awareness in the original work.
Commissions have included brochures for businesses and practices, CD/record/tape
sleeves, display panels and book covers. In 2001 the book The Spirit of
Worcestershire was published featuring over thirty of David’s watercolour
paintings. He has continued to work with clients such as the National
Trust developing his depictions of architecture and landscape. Other
interests have included the Elgar Birthplace Trust (House Committee), Swan
Theatre Worcester Ltd (Board), Abbeyfield Worcester Ltd. (Trustee), Headway
Worcester (President), St Johns Bell Tower Appeal (Patron) and energetic veteran
membership of Worcester Rowing Club.
David Birtwhistle’s work is to be found in one royal and many public and private
collections throughout the world.
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