Fred Kormis

Angels (1968), Museum of Art, Ein Harod (Meuhad)

Fred Kormis (September 20, 1894 – May 12, 1986)[1] was a German sculptor. Kormis gained recognition for his bronze portrait medallions. Amongst a total of 41 pieces exhibited at Royal Academy the subjects included Edward VIII, Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin.[2] Examples of his medallions are to be found in the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum and the Royal Collection.[3]

He married Rachel Sender, sister of Tony Sender.

He was keen to make a memorial to prisoners of war including victims of the concentration camps. Thanks to a family bequest he was able to start work on the five figures. His friend Reg Freeson, then leader of Brent Council, helped him find a home for them in Gladstone Park, London. Eventually the five figures were unveiled on May 11, 1969.[2]

He created England's first memorial to Holocaust victims.[4]

Much of his artwork is being displayed at an exhibition at London’s Wiener Holocaust Library, scheduled to run until 6 February 2025.[4]

References

  1. ^ https://www.refugeemap.org/map/records/fred-kormis-1934-1986/gallery/7
  2. ^ a b Colloms, Marianne; Weindling, Dick (2013). "The sculptor Fred Kormis". westhampsteadlife.com (August 7, 2013). Retrieved 16 November 2017.
  3. ^ "Fred Kormis - Mapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture in Britain and Ireland 1851-1951". sculpture.gla.ac.uk. Mapping Sculpture project. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
  4. ^ a b Bartov, Shira Li (10 September 2024). "The overlooked artist who escaped the Nazis and made the 1st UK memorial to their victims". Times of Israel. Retrieved 19 September 2024.