Remembering Dr Fenwick Lawson, ARCA

A familiar and much-loved figure, many of Dr Lawson’s works can be seen around Durham City, which was his home for many years.

These include Cry for Justice – The Scream, which stands outside our Department of Geography, and Cry for Freedom – The Hostage, which can be seen in our Law School.

Other notable works include The Journey, in Millennium Place, and Pieta in Durham Cathedral.

Honorary Doctor of Letters

Durham University was proud to honour Dr Lawson’s significant career and achievements with the award of an honorary Doctor of Letters in 2008. He was also an Honorary Member of St Chad’s and Grey colleges.

A blue plaque celebrating Dr Lawson can be seen on the wall of his former family home of Bow Cottage, in the city’s Bow Lane, close to Durham Cathedral.

Royal College of Art

Born into a County Durham coal mining family on 19 May 1932, Dr Lawson attended Stanley Grammar School, and was assigned as a pupil architect to Durham County Council.

He studied at Sunderland College of Art and the Royal College of Art in London. He completed his studies travelling in France, Italy and Greece, being inspired by the sculptural masters such as Michelangelo and Donatello and by the simplicity of form in Cycladic art.

He became a teacher and was appointed as the first lecturer in sculpture at Newcastle-upon-Tyne College of Art.

When this merged into Newcastle-upon-Tyne Polytechnic in 1970, he became a Principal Lecturer and Head of Sculpture before retiring from teaching in 1984.

Distinguished career

In his distinguished career, Dr Lawson was a member of various art and architecture bodies, including the Northumbria Branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects. He also served as a trustee of Durham City Trust.

Dr Lawson died peacefully, surrounded by his family, in hospital in Chester-le-Street, on January 23, aged 93.

The condolences of everyone at Durham University go out to his family and friends at this sad time.