Arthur Frederick Dicks
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ARTHUR FREDERICK DICKS
Born London 1930 Died Sydney 1994
[edit] Biography
Arthur Dicks was a brilliant Designer working in the field of theatre and dance, he was also an accomplised Actor and Artist. He became the first Head of design at NIDA, (The National Institute of Dramatic Art) in Australia.
Born in the tough east end of London, Arthur lived through the blitz, eventually being rehoused in the country when his home was destroyed.In his teens he became involved in repertory theatre and consequently acted with such luminaries as Olivier, Leigh, Geilgud and Dames Smith & Dench, some of these he stayed in contact with for the rest of his life.As well as these drama skills he began work as a fine artist for a prestigious advertising agency.
He decided to travel in his 20’s and ended up in New York where he went to work for a Leading Fashion magazine. An assignment in Louisiana in 1951 saw him having a year long break in New Orleans, where he absorbed the culture and began a series of travel painted diaries.
By the mid 50’s he was back in London where he signed up with the RAAF, he was assigned to bomb disposal and sent to Iraq. Again he did many detailed drawings and photos of his travels. After the RAAF Arthur returned to London where he married and returned to the theatre, both he and his wife acted all over the UK and had a daughter.
He often not only acted but was involved in designing the sets and costumes. This new direction saw him working as a set & costume designer in England, USA and Africa, spending some time in Nairobi.
By the mid 60’s Arthur was on the move again and arrived in Hollywood with introductions to David Niven and the English set of actors. He quickly started work with top designer Bill Travilla and liased with Edith Head on 2 productions as well. Again mixing this with his acting and design abilities he got to know many of the actors who went on to become stars. By now he had 2 daughters, but eventually the long hours and frantic schedule took their toll and his wife & children returned to London.
He was asked to come to Australia in the 70’s to become the Head of Design at NIDA, (National Institute of Dramatic Art), a position he held for years with much distinction, nurturing some of the design greats of today. Mel Gibson, Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman all came from the strong acting base of NIDA. Angus Strathie one of Arthur’s students went on to win an Oscar for Moulin Rouge.
He later became involved with the Q Theatre and was it’s Creative Director & Designer up until his death. Arthur always fostered fledgling talents in drama, design & writing and was a huge influence on many careers through his kindness, generosity & encouragement. He personally funded playreadings of young playwrights to get them seen & produced.
During the last years of his life Arthur forged ahead, promoting new plays every year during Sydney's Mardi Gras Festival. Through his personal endeavours and commitment many exciting new plays, actors & writers were showcased in his brilliant productions. This later became the nucleus of "The In The Pink Theatre Company", which championed works by Gay & Lesbian writers who may not otherwise have found a voice.
Throughout his life he continued to paint, landscapes in his Bali retreat, still lifes and of course meticulously detailed & rendered set & costume designs. His funeral was attended by a who's who of theatre celebrities and his half page obituary was published in all Australian press.
