Philip Moore (b. 1921- d. 2012) was a self-taught Guyanese sculptor and painter known for designing the 1763 Monument in Georgetown, Guyana.[1] During his career, he held artist residencies at Livingstone College and Princeton University where he taught wood sculpture.[2][3] In 1941, he became a Grand Master of the Jordanite religion, and considered his faith to be an integral part of his practice and teaching.[3]

Philip Moore
Born1921
Manchester village, Corentyne, Berbice, Guyana
DiedMay 13, 2012
Lancaster village, Corentyne, Berbice, Guyana
NationalityGuyanese
Notable work1763 Coffij Monument

Early life

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Moore was born in Guyana, in Manchester on the Corentyne Coast. His parents wanted him to become a lawyer so Moore started working in a "cane field" to supplement the family's income and save money for his studies. At some point while working in the fields, which Moore credits to divine intervention, he decided to become an artist.[4]

He earned a certificate from the Manchester Church of Scotland School in 1938 which was the end of his formal education.[4]

Career

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in 1970, Moore was appointed as Artist in Residence and tutor in wood sculpture at Princeton University.

After his return from Princeton, Moore started working at the Burrowes School of Art.

In 1976, Moore's unveiled his most famous creation, a monument that towers over the Square of the Revolution in Guyana's capital, called the 1763 monument, commemorating the uprising by the Berbice slaves led by Coffy which symbolizes the liberation and struggle of the Guyanese people.[4]

Legacy

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1763 Monument on Square of the Revolution in Georgetown, Guyana, designed by Moore

The government of Guyana has purchased more than 150 of Moore's works which are housed as part of the national collection at the National Gallery, Castellani House

In 2009, Moore received a lifetime achievement award and several plaques from the Guyanese Ministry of Culture.

References

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  1. ^ "Iconic Guyanese artist, sculptor Philip Moore dies at 90". Guyana Chronicle. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  2. ^ "Philip Moore: an appreciation – Moray House Trust". Retrieved 2023-01-07.
  3. ^ a b Roopnarine, Rupert (1996-11-01). "Philip Moore: It Takes a Village". Caribbean Beat Magazine. Retrieved 2023-01-07.
  4. ^ a b c "Artist Phillip Moore, 'the man who designed the monument'". Stabroek News. 2011-08-02. Retrieved 2024-03-27.