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Leading Stage Designer’s Exhibition Opens at RWCMD

1 March 2016

Filed Under:

Production and Design

At the age of 91, Ralph Koltai, Britain’s senior stage designer, is fulfilling a long-held ambition and exhibiting another side of his artistic life – as a sculptor.

Simon Callow, who opened the exhibition, with one of Ralph's works. Photo: Laura Hinski

Simon Callow, who opened the exhibition, with one of Ralph’s works. Photo: Laura Hinski

Atomic Landscapes, 13 Feb – 13 March, is the new exhibition of metal collages, bringing together all of Ralph’s (pictured in the main image with RWCMD International Chair Pamela Howard) sculptural works for the very first time.

The exhibition was opened by actor Simon Callow, and RWCMD Fellow and WNO Artistic Director David Poutney.

Visitors at the exhibition at the Royal Welsh College. Photo: Laura Hinski

Visitors at the exhibition at the Royal Welsh College, including Director of Drama Sean Crowley, and curator Pamela Howard. Photo: Laura Hinski

Constructed from found objects on his farm in France between 1997-2015 they evoke mystery, history and humour.

Koltai is known as Britain’s senior theatre designer, and is generally acknowledged as the principal innovator of British Theatre Design. He has designed around 250 productions of opera, dance, drama and musicals throughout the world.

This exhibition coincides with his commission by Welsh National Opera to design three new productions for their Figaro Forever season.

Welsh National Opera’s production of 'Figaro Gets a Divorce' Photo: Richard Hubert Smith

Welsh National Opera’s production of ‘Figaro Gets a Divorce’ Photo: Richard Hubert Smith

 

“This is an opportunity for a unique celebration. It’s not just about Ralph’s stage design, although that’s hugely important, it’s about him, as an artist,” explains Pamela Howard, a leading scenographer and director,  International Chair in Drama at RWCMD, and curator of the exhibition.

“When I was offered the chance to be an International Chair at the College, I suggested that this was our chance to mount this exhibition. And the College jumped at it,” she explains.

The free Exhibition runs in The Linbury Gallery from 13 Feb – 13 March 2016.

You can also view works from the exhibition online.