Title
Portrait of Geoffrey Phibbs (1900-1956)Datec.1927
MediumGraphite on paper
Dimensions
38 × 28 cm
Signedlower right: P.Dodd
Credit LinePurchased, 2021
Object numberNGI.2021.43
DescriptionDated c.1927, this fine head study by the artist Phyllis Dodd depicts the English-born Irish poet Jeoffrey "Geoffrey" Basil Phibbs (1900–1956). Born in Smallburgh, Norfolk, he was brought up in Sligo, and educated in England at Haileybury. In 1924 he married the artist Norah McGuinness, whom he divorced in 1930. Their marriage break-up was initially brought about by his involvement with the poet Laura Riding, whom he met in 1929. Phibbs later married Mary Dillwyn in 1940. They returned to Ireland, where he was known mostly for anthologies, and non-fiction writing. As literary editor of The Bell, he gave ample space to poetry from Northern Ireland. This is one of a group of six works on paper by the artist Phyllis Dodd, acquired by the National Gallery of Ireland in 2020, which came directly from the artist’s studio. This group of portrait drawings and etchings depict people whom the artist knew well, including fellow art students and friends Norah McGuinness and Kathleen Bridle, together with Geoffrey Phibbs, the English-born Irish poet who was married for a time to the artist Norah McGuinness. The artist’s fine drypoint self-portrait also forms part of this group.
ProvenancePurchased, 2021