William James Bloye was an English sculptor, active in Birmingham either side of World War II. After serving in World War I, Bloye studied and later taught at the Birmingham School of Art. Becoming a member of the Birmingham Civic Society in 1925, he played a significant role as Birmingham's unofficial civic sculptor, contributing to various public commissions. Bloye was a member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, attaining the status of fellow in 1938. His association with the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) included serving as its president from 1948 to 1950 and as the Professor of Sculpture. He retired in 1956 and died away in 1975.
Blue plaque at Golden Hillock Road
William Bloye's entry in the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists members' register; in his own hand. Dated 1930
Image: Birmingham Feeny Art Gallery Bloy
Image: Supreme Works 186 Soho Hill Bloye Lion Pediment lions
Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) is an art society, based in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, England, where it owns and operates an art gallery, the RBSA Gallery, on Brook Street, just off St Paul's Square. It is both a registered charity, and a registered company.
Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
The original New Street home of the RBSA, illustrated in 1830
The exhibition room in 1829
Head of Man, by RBSA president William Bloye, part of the gallery's permanent collection