ACCLAIMED painter and sculptor Jack Lugg, who gave more than three decades of his life to East London art students, has died.
The 89-year-old, dubbed the “grand master”, died on September 16 following a bout of pneumonia.
Artists influenced by Lugg said he would be sorely missed, and lovingly remembered for his teachings and legendary artworks.
Lugg, who was born in Pretoria, dedicated 72 years of his life to art, 35 of them as an influential head of the then East London Technical College Art Department, now known as Buffalo City FET College.
Campus head Eva Janson said Lugg was a remarkable man who had placed the East London Technical College on the art education map.
“He devoted his life to the college and its students and brought glory and fame to East London through art.
“It is with great sadness that we bid him farewell,” Janson said.
Lugg’s early inspiration was Walter Battiss, who was his art master at Pretoria Boys’ High School.
He later furthered his studies at the art department of the then Natal Technical College in Durban, where he won the Emma Smith Scholarship.
The scholarship enabled him to further his studies in London and Paris.
His past students include internationally acclaimed artist Norman Catherine, Cape Times cartoonist Tony Grogan, master of fine art photographer Marlene Neumann, curator at the Floradale fine art centre in Beacon Bay Rose Warren, retired art lecturer Claerwen Baker, and Ann Bryant Art Gallery curator Leon du Preez.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch, Du Preez said: “The East London art fraternity will dearly miss this legend.”
Warren said she was fortunate to have been his student and employee.
“He was a delightful person, he was a great teacher and a great boss,” she said.
Describing his work, Warren said Lugg’s paintings were vibrant and colourful.
“He created strong and colourful oils, sensitive yet powerful drawings, and he sculpted in wood and stone.”
He retired to Plettenberg Bay recently.
A memorial service for Lugg will be held in Knysna tomorrow . — arethal@dispatch.co.za
Beloved art teacher leaves rich legacy
The 89-year-old, dubbed the “grand master”, died on September 16 following a bout of pneumonia.
Artists influenced by Lugg said he would be sorely missed, and lovingly remembered for his teachings and legendary artworks.
Lugg, who was born in Pretoria, dedicated 72 years of his life to art, 35 of them as an influential head of the then East London Technical College Art Department, now known as Buffalo City FET College.
Campus head Eva Janson said Lugg was a remarkable man who had placed the East London Technical College on the art education map.
“He devoted his life to the college and its students and brought glory and fame to East London through art.
“It is with great sadness that we bid him farewell,” Janson said.
Lugg’s early inspiration was Walter Battiss, who was his art master at Pretoria Boys’ High School.
He later furthered his studies at the art department of the then Natal Technical College in Durban, where he won the Emma Smith Scholarship.
The scholarship enabled him to further his studies in London and Paris.
His past students include internationally acclaimed artist Norman Catherine, Cape Times cartoonist Tony Grogan, master of fine art photographer Marlene Neumann, curator at the Floradale fine art centre in Beacon Bay Rose Warren, retired art lecturer Claerwen Baker, and Ann Bryant Art Gallery curator Leon du Preez.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch, Du Preez said: “The East London art fraternity will dearly miss this legend.”
Warren said she was fortunate to have been his student and employee.
“He was a delightful person, he was a great teacher and a great boss,” she said.
Describing his work, Warren said Lugg’s paintings were vibrant and colourful.
“He created strong and colourful oils, sensitive yet powerful drawings, and he sculpted in wood and stone.”
He retired to Plettenberg Bay recently.
A memorial service for Lugg will be held in Knysna tomorrow . — arethal@dispatch.co.za
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