Born: 1911

Sculptor and painter who led a controversial life. London born, his father was Swedish and his mother English.  Following an apprenticeship as a mechanical engineer, he enrolled at Beckenham School of Art in 1928 but decided he was cut out to be an adagio dancer. In 1934 and 38 he studied art in Cornwall, settled in St Ives after the War and proceeded to write a book on it's inhabitants that led to several libel actions. His other book from the period on Alfred Wallis was much better received. He moved to the New Forest, where he spent much time among the forest folk and gypsies. His work is held in many public collections including the Tate and the Victoria and Albert. More extensive biographical material is at http://finpubs-dwh.demonweb.co.uk/svenberlin/text.htm