The remarkable story of Sam Rabin, who taught life drawing at Poole Arts Centre from its opening in 1978 until shortly before his death in 1991, continues to fascinate those who hear it.
A highly accomplished painter, draughtsman, sculptor, printmaker and teacher, in his long life Sam was also a medal-winning Olympic wrestler, a boxer, singer and actor; he appeared in films for Alexander Korda and had been taught by Henry Tonks at the Slade, later tutoring the likes of Bridget Riley and Mary Quant at Goldsmiths.
Since posting an article about Sam’s connection to Lighthouse during the Covid lockdowns several people have contacted us with stories to share. The latest, art collector Jude Grant sent photographs of two pieces of Sam’s work that she is very grateful to own.
She told us: “I saw Sam Rabin interviewed on BBC Newsnight some time in 1984 and I was struck by his story, but more by how humble he was. I vowed to do all that I could to see more of his work and I was desperately keen to own a piece.
“Of course, in those days there was no internet, so I put out feelers, but to no avail. It took me 11 years, but somehow, I came across his address in Poole and wrote a letter to him.
“I heard back from his son David who told me Sam had suffered with dementia in recent years and had passed away. He said Sam was never very keen on selling his pictures, he didn’t like the gallery system and would rather give them to people, but he agreed to send me three pieces.
“I just adore the nude. I am so lucky to have it and see it every day. To me, that’s the epitome of Sam Rabin, it speaks to me. I also have a large wax crayon paper on board image of a boxer called 45 Knockdown that lives under the sofa, but it too is wonderful. There was a third piece, a small painting, that I no longer have.
“Sam rubbed shoulders with so many people, he lived such a full life and yet hardly anyone knows of him today.”
(NC)
We’re always keen to hear more of your stories about Sam and his classes. If you some memories you’d like to share please drop us a line at marketing@lighthousepoole.co.uk.
Respected art writer Bill Crow has recently published a biography of Sam’s life and times, available at https://www.jackhousegallery.co.uk/shop/sam-rabin-by-bill-crow
The portrait of Sam Rabin by Allan Woolff (above) is in the collection of Poole Museum.
