Self-taught artist, Edward Dutkiewicz was renowned for his exuberant use of colour and energetic compositions which reflected his fun and quirky view on life.

Edward was born in Tamworth, Staffordshire, the son of Polish immigrants who came to Britain at the beginning of World War II. From a relatively young age, he began to receive acclaim for his inimitable works. In addition to making works on paper, he was also a great sculptor and his work is represented in several public collections, including the Estorick Collection in London.

Edward Dutkiewicz, Untitled. Part of the Paintings in Hospitals collection.

Edward fought a battle with multiple sclerosis, which he was diagnosed with aged 21. Towards the of his life, he was unable to use his hands, but didn't give up. He found other ways in which to create artwork.

In an obituary of Edward, the collector Michael Estorick said that:

“...if there are echoes of Alexander Calder and Matisse in his use of bright colour and abstract form, it is also of their playfulness and joy. For sure, no one who has experienced so much pain has also expressed as much fun and the pleasure of simply being alive, or, for that matter, has given so much to those around him.”

Key facts: Edward bequeathed all the works from his studio to Paintings in Hospitals.

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