Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Tony Currell, who lived in Cutthorpe, was head of printmaking at the college for 20 years until 2002.

His duties included life drawing and some painting classes.

Tony’s niece Helen Currell said: “He was charming, kind, an inspirational yet honest tutor with his students.”

Anthony Currell worked as head of printmaking at Chesterfield College for 20 years.

Former student Duncan Pass, who is now a painter and printmaker based in Derbyshire, said: “Tony was one of my access course tutors at Chesterfield College in 1995 and he was one of the most inspiring teachers I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. His knowledge and enthusiasm were unparalleled – he was a master craftsman and artist, and his refreshingly practical approach to drawing, painting and printmaking have been an enormous influence on my own practice ever since. I feel very lucky indeed to have known him, and I keep the principles he taught me, particularly the importance of finding your own path as an artist, in mind every day. He was, as they say, "the real deal".

Tony was best known for his images of miners which were inspired by workers in the Welsh coalfield. Relatives on his father’s side lived in the town of Llantrissant in south Wales.

His prints featured in collections at the V & A Museum in London, the Brooklyn Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York as well as cultural centres and museums in Florida, Belgium, Ukraine and the Russian republic of Karelia.

Tony exhibited extensively throughout England and abroad. His work was seen in Australia, Spain, Poland, India, the Republic of China, Switzerland, Italy and Cuba.

Artist Anthony Currell, who has died at the age of 79.

In 1976 Tony was elected full member of the Printmakers Council of Great Britain.

He received the South West Arts Top Ten Award in 1979, the Radom Benalle Portrait Print Award in 1987 and the Cuprum VII Bienalle Medal of Honour in 1997.

Born in Harrow, Tony had a twin called Terry. The brothers, who failed their 11-plus exam twice, later went to Bideford Art School and then on to L.C.C. Central School (now Central St Martins) in London.

Tony had his first experience of participating in a London exhibition when he was at the Central School. He showed his work in the student section of the 1962-52 Graven Image at the St George’s Gallery where David Hockney was also represented in the same category. At that exhibition Tony made his first sale – the exhibited Artist’s Proof going to the V&A Museum and the edition of 15 prints to Trust House Forte.

Anthony Currell was renowned for his images of miners.

He won a French scholarship to S.W. Hayter’s experimental workshop for arts, Atelier 17 in Paris.

Tony’s first post was at Harris College in Preson where he worked for two years. He then applied for head of printmaking on a foundation course at Plymouth College of Art where he spent 17 years teaching and met his future wife Jacqueline Joyes.

He rounded off his teaching career at Chesterfield College from where he retired 20 years ago.

A keen cricketer, Tony joined Baslow cricket team while running and captaining a college side and a team from his local pub.

He leaves two nieces, Helen and Sarah Currell.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 8, at 9.30am at Chesterfield Crematorium followed by a gathering at the Three Merry Lads, Cutthorpe.

READ THIS: Derbyshire mum offering home to Ukraine refugees left frustrated by visa process

A message from Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times editor:

Support your Derbyshire Times by becoming a digital subscriber. You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience. Click here to subscribe

son where he worked for two years. He then applied for head of printmaking on a foundation course at Plymouth College of Art where he spent 17 years teaching and met his future wife Jacqueline Joyes.