(1909 - 2006)
Bernard Arthur Ruston Carter, painter, teacher and writer, was born in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. His formal education prepared him for a career in the diplomatic service: he learnt to speak French fluently, and completed a modern languages degree at Cambridge University in 1932. However, during his time in Cambridge, Carter discovered a love for art, and he became involved with designing posters. Carter abandoned thoughts of a diplomatic career, and in the 1920s, took up several drawing classes at the East London Art Club in Bow, and part time classes at the Central School of Arts and Crafts, both of which were led by artist and teacher, John Albert Cooper. At Central, Carter also benefited from tuition by the artists, Bernard Meninsky and William Roberts. After the War, Carter exhibited his work in a Euston Road School show at Wakefield City Art Gallery in 1948; followed by an Arts Council exhibition in 1948–49. He taught at Camberwell School of Art (1945–49) and then at the Slade School of Art from 1949, remaining there for 30 years. He became Professor of Perspective at the Royal Academy Schools (1975–83) and his work on perspective featured in academic publications including The Oxford Companion to Art. He was an expert on the work of Piero della Francesca, the early Italian Renaissance artist whose paintings are characterised by their bold geometrical composition and colour. Carter regularly exhibited still life works in Royal Academy Summer exhibitions. Examples of Carter’s work are represented in the major public collections including the Arts Council, the Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne, Museum of London and The Contemporary Art Society.
