Tributes paid to sculptor and art educator Dame Phyllida Barlow

Phyllida Barlow UCL colleagues, past and present, have paid tribute to acclaimed artist, Emeritus Professor Dame Phyllida Barlow, who both studied and lectured at the Slade School of Fine Art, before finding global fame as a visionary sculptor. Dame Phyllida, described as an "extraordinary force" in both British sculpture and arts education, passed away on 12th March 2023 at the age of 78. Best known for her large-scale sculptures and installations, made from everyday materials such as cardboard and polystyrene, Phyllida is often considered "one of the art world's most celebrated late starters" having found fame at the age of 65. Prior to international prominence, Phyllida taught art for four decades - including 23 years as a professor at the Slade School of Fine Art at UCL. Here, she mentored several prolific artists, including Rachel Whiteread, Tacita Dean, Monster Chetwynd, Bill Woodrow and Eva Rothschild. Professor Stella Bruzzi, Dean of the UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, said: "Dame Phyllida Barlow studied at Slade School of Fine Art and taught there for over 40 years. A sculptor of great international influence and cherished citizen of Arts and Humanities at UCL, her students included Rachel Whiteread and Tacita Dean.