Biography for James Dodds RCA (1957)
original prints paintings artist biography
James Dodds was born in the east coast fishing town of Brightlingsea, and trained as a shipwright in Maldon. He then studied painting at Chelsea and the Royal College of Art, London. He has also conceived, illustrated and hand-produced a series of artists books. However, he is better known for his dramatic linocuts of coastal towns and nautical myths and legends plus his large unique and beautiful paintings of various boats.
James's work has been purchased by Britten-Pears Library, Aldeburgh; Victoria and Albert Museum; Clacton & Rochford Hospitals; Chelmsford and Essex Museums; Ipswich Borough Council, Museums and Galleries; Colchester Borough Council; Horniman Museum, London and many private collectors.
In 2007 James was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex in recognition of his "distinguished contribution to the local community as an artist and defender of our community and natural heritage."
James had a major retrospective show, "Shipshape", at firstsight at The Minories in Colchester in November 2001. This show subsequently toured at Whitstable, Herne Bay, Frome, the Isle of Wight, Barnard Castle, The National Maritime Museum of Cornwall, The National Maritime Museum at Greenwich, Great Yarmouth and Hartlepool. James regularly exhibits at Bircham Gallery (Holt, Norfolk), Messums Gallery (London), Hayletts Gallery (Maldon, Essex), North House Gallery (Manningtree, Essex) and Mystic Seaport (Connecticutt, USA).
Awards
1999
Awarded GMC Trust Best in Show 'Aldeburgh Beach'