*RICHARD SLADDEN (1933-2020) Abstract composition in blue and cream

RICHARD SLADDEN
Throughout his life Dick was totally committed to art and in his early years as a practising artist came into prominence by exhibiting at the New Vision Centre Gallery in London, the Alwin Gallery, the Arnolfini Gallery in Bristol and in Dusseldorf, Germany, in a joint exhibition with the artist Bruce McLean.
He was born in Clevedon, Somerset, on 11 March 1933, and spent his early years growing up by the sea. At the age of 12 he became a boarder at Kings School, Taunton, at the end of the War. He later enrolled at the Royal West of England Academy School of Architecture in Bristol and also did two years National Service in the Lancashire Fusiliers.
His working life began in the then Ministry of Works Ancient Monuments branch for six years until he decided that was much too slow for him. His complete change of direction led him into art and design education, becoming a Senior Lecturer at Croydon College of Art. where, among other activities, he founded a well-regarded sculpture department.
He moved to Epsom School of Art and Design in 1972 as Vice Principal. He was later instrumental in merging Epsom and Farnham Schools of Art which became the Surrey Institute of which he became the Assistant Director, by which time he was also Principal of Epsom. The Surrey Institute later merged with Rochester, Maidstone and Canterbury Schools of Art to become what is now the University of the Creative Arts.
Retiring in 1994, he and Carol moved to Somerset . He participated in the Somerset Open Art Weeks several times having converted the 50ft waggon shed in the garden into an illuminated outdoor art gallery and being open to the public for two weeks in alternate years, occasions which Dick greatly enjoyed.
After spells in Storrington for three years and later Milford for nine years, they eventually moved to Caesars Place in Godalming. It was here that Dick died peacefully in his sleep on 14 April 2020.
He was a strong, talented and vigorous personality and was much loved and well respected by all his family and friends . He has left a very large gap in all our lives.
Carol Miller, March 2021