Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

Sculptor, potter and teacher, of Scottish birth and French ancestry. His grandfather was the novelist Victor Hugo’s lieutenant in the 1852 revolt against Napoleon III and came to England as a political refugee. Rey’s education began at St Aloysius School in Glasgow and continued briefly at St Phillip’s Grammar School, Birmingham. Back in Glasgow he opted to become a chemist, working in a chemical plant near the city, attending West of Scotland Technical College in order to graduate. When aged 17 he was made redundant and after about three months was still unemployed, he became apprenticed to the architectural sculptor and teacher William Vickers, who specialised in church work. When Vickers died, Rey helped his widow to run the business for a while until he could study under Archibald Dawson, who had replaced Vickers at Glasgow School of Art.

Text source: 'Artists in Britain Since 1945' by David Buckman (Art Dictionaries Ltd, part of Sansom & Company)


Do you know someone who would love this resource?
Tell them about it...