Biography
Sam Smith (b. Southampton, UK 1908 - d. Dartmouth, Devon, UK 1983) did start studying at art school but the 1930s Depression meant that he had to become a handyman and advertising illustrator and during WW2 he illustrated bridge-building manuals. He also became as a craft toymaker, especially of small boats. After the war his creations were shown at the Royal Festival Hall, prompting an American from Design Research to buy and commission objects. Smith developed bigger, more elaborate and less toy-like objects but still based on childhood memories and colourful characters, making witty comments on society. The Arts Council made a film: Sam Smith. Genuine. England (1976). He had a retrospective at Bristol City Art Gallery in 1972, showed at the Serpentine Gallery (1980–1). Victoria Art Gallery, Bath, held a small retrospective in 2001 and Southampton City Art Gallery and Manchester Art Gallery hold his work.
