About this Archive

Artist

Administrative/biographical history

Stewart Irwin was born on December 28th 1923 in Pershore, Worcestershire. He was educated at Sebright School near Kidderminster, but his education was curtailed as he suffered a mastoid infection for which he had to undergo surgery.

In 1939, aged 15 he went to Malvern School of Art, and then in 1941, he progressed on to the Wimbledon School of Art. In June 1942, he had to leave art school as he was conscripted into the army and did active service in Europe, including being part of the landing in France on July 4th 1944. He was eventually demobbed in February 1947.

He eventually returned to Wimbledon Art School for six more months, after which he took up employment with an advertising agency in London. However, whilst working there he developed a thyroid problem which led to surgery, and meant numerous periods of time in and out of hospital over the next three years.

After recovering he returned to the same agency for a period of time; he then went freelance with Saxon Artists Ltd and stayed with them for 25 years. After giving up freelance work he concentrated on his painting and has exhibited in many art galleries. Stewart painted up until his death in 2012.

Scope and content

Papers and artwork of Stewart Irwin (1923-2012), including small scale copies and original artwork and illustrations by Irwin, n.d. ; correspondence and cards exchanged between Irwin and Dr Charlotte Cooper, 2004-2010; funeral order of service for Irwin, 2012.