Title

Hirschfeld-Mack, Ludwig

Author

Australian Prints.

Source

[Not applicable]

Publication date

2001

Type

Biography

Language

English

Country of context

Australia

Full text

Ludwig Hirschfeld-Mack

Ludwig Hirschfeld-Mack was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1893. He studied in Munich at the Debschitz Art School and then at the Munich University. He also studied colour theories in Stuttgart in 1918 and 1919, before becoming a foundation member of the Bauhaus at Weimaç where he taught until 1925. He held several other teaching positions in Germany and England before being removed to Australia as an 'enemy alien' on board the Dunera in 1940. He was interned at camps in Hay, Orange and Tatura for two years. During this time he taught printing techniques, such as monotype and relief printing to other internees. His linocut Desolation, internment camp, Hay, NSW produced in 1941 is one of the most poignant of all internment camp prints.

Following his release early in 1942, Hirschfeld-Mack took up an art teaching position at Geelong Grammar School, Victoria. He remained at the school until 1957, despite repeated offers from Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus, to teach at prestigious universities in the USA. After his retirement Hirschfeld-Mack remained active in the community, continuing to teach community and adult education art classes until his death in 1965.

Hirschfeld-Mack's influence as an art educator was particularly strong in Victoria where he lectured to student teachers. As a result, a generation of secondary art teachers continued the principles of art teaching that had been developed at the Bauhaus.

© Australianprints, 2001.