Arts & Entertainment

Comments (0) Best Rediscovery of a Nearly Forgotten Colorado Artist - 2002

Edgar Britton

It's common wisdom that once an artist dies, his or her work should soar in value, but more often, the artist fades from the collective memory. That's what happened to Edgar Britton, who in the 1950s, '60s and '70s was Colorado's most famous sculptor. But last year, nearly twenty years after his death, in 1982, Britton was back in the center ring. Not only was he the subject of a pair of simultaneous shows at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and the Coburn Gallery on the Colorado College campus, but his life and work were the subject of a cogent if unusual monograph written by CC professor Jane Hilberry. The unconventional nature of the Hilberry book is fully revealed by its somewhat outlandish title, The Erotic Art of Edgar Britton. It was good to see one of the best artists in the state finally being given his due.

Download our Free Best Of App

My Voice Nation Help
2 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
Mark and Erna Alexander
Mark and Erna Alexander

I am a big fan of Edgar Britton. My father C.H. Alexander worked as a electrcian and carpenter for Mrs. Britton and aquired 3 beautiful bronze pieces in the late 70's. One being a prototype sculpture for a bank in Denver. The piece was incorporated into a beautiful lamp base. The other 2 being bronze pieces similar to the Herod & Salome piece. I am considering selling each piece. alex343@comcast.net. The work is timeless and of great interest to many who know Edgar Britton.

Rebecca Cleaves
Rebecca Cleaves

I was thrilled to read your article on Edgar Britton. Mr. Britton was a friend of my Grandfathers. During their time together Mr. Britton carved an Elephant from a dinosaur bone that my Grandfather had acquired. Mr. Britton also made several pieces of jewelry for my grandmother, all erotic in nature. My family still possesses these items but has rarely seen any other Edgar Britton works that are similar to them. It is nice to find that Mr. Britton is becoming recognized for his unusual works along with the more common subject matters that his art encompassed.

Search Best Of Awards

©2013 Denver Westword, LLC, All rights reserved.
Loading...