Elisabeth Muntz was a Canadian-born sculptor who moved to Dorset in the 1920s. She is famous for her versatile work in Portland and Purbeck stone, which she sourced from local quarries.
Canadian-born sculptor Elisabeth Muntz (1894-1977), studied at the Ontario College of Art and the Académie de la Grande Chaumière and Bourdelle in Paris.
Elisabeth was mainly known for her versatile work in Portland and Purbeck stone, sourced from local quarries. She also sculpted in wood and bronze, and painted.
In 1950, Elisabeth became the first woman to be appointed as Freeman of the Ancient Order of Purbeck Marblers and Stonecutters.
In the 1920s, Elisabeth met the artist and sculptor, Stephen Tomlin. A member of the Bloomsbury Set, he introduced her to a community of writers and artists who were living and working in the village of Chaldon Herring, Dorset.
Elisabeth bought a cottage there and built a studio in the garden. There she produced sculptures for exhibitions in London and abroad.
Locals were said to be familiar with the sight of Elisabeth, dressed in a duffel coat and boots, riding the coast path on her pony with her spaniel dog beside them. The rides weren’t simply for pleasure – but to visit the local quarries to source stone for her works.
During her time at Apple Tree Cottage, Elisabeth’s studio doubled as a successful summer school for young people. There they learned about painting, pottery and sculpture.
Although she didn’t have children of her own, Elisabeth had a lasting affection for children, who were often the inspiration for her drawings, paintings and sculptures.
Elisabeth Muntz died in Chaldon Herring in March 1977, aged 82. Her sister inherited her enormous collection of sketches, drawings, paintings, notes, photographs, manuscripts and family memorabilia. The collection was later bequeathed to Dorset County Museum.
The objects chosen to tell the story of Elisabeth Muntz are three carvings made of Purbeck stone. They depict a face, some leaves and a hand.
