Tom Hudson

Tom Hudson (July 3, 1922 – December 27, 1997) was a British artist and lecturer. He created sculptures using modern materials such as perspex and resin and considered that Art could be a means of changing society. His greatest influence was on Art teaching. He was a foremost proponent of the Bauhaus concept of teaching Art and Design by Basic Design, taking that principle to Art Colleges across the UK in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. This came to be the Art foundation course which provide an holistic grounding for Art and Design students before taking higher education qualifications. Early career and artistic influences Tom Hudson was born in Horden, County Durham into a working-class family with strong socialist ideals. He went to Hartlepool's Henry Smith Grammar School and developed an interest in Art while undertaking National Service overseas. He attended Sunderland School of Art, teacher training at King's College, Newcastle then studied 20th Century Art at the Courtauld Institute, London. During this time he was influenced by Herbert Read and the Constructivist and de Stijl movements, particularly with the concepts of Education through Art. His first permanent teaching post was as painting master at Lowestoft School of Art in 1951. Hudson's interest and research into children's art brought him into contact with Victor Pasmore and Harry Thubron who were developing courses inspired by Bauhaus Basic Design.