Biography

Born in Wakefield in 1937, David Wood was educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School before training in lithography and painting at Wakefield College of Art. He subsequently received the Art Teacher’s Diploma and Certificate from the Regional College of Art in Manchester and later an MA in Drama and Theatre Arts from Leeds University.

From 1958 to 1998 David taught Art, Drama and Stage Design in junior and secondary schools in Leeds and Wakefield, as well as in HM Prison Wakefield and the Army Education Corps while serving with the Royal Air Force in Cyprus. While Head of Art and Drama at Allerton Grange School in Leeds (1967 to 1987), his pupils included the highly acclaimed artists Christopher P. Wood, Marcus Harvey and Damien Hirst.

In 1963 David and his wife Judith were founder members of Dewsbury Arts Group. For over 50 years David was a pivotal figure in this theatre and visual arts organisation, including for many years as Chairman. As well as exhibiting his paintings in the group’s exhibitions, David’s involvement in a vast number of their theatre productions ranged through director, actor, playwright, designer, and a memorable Music Hall Chairman. In 2019 the Group renamed its theatre The David and Judith Wood Theatre.

In the 2002 Queen’s Birthday Honours list David and Judith were both individually awarded MBEs for services to the Arts in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. They were presented with their awards together by the Queen – with David famously succeeding in making the Queen smile.

David died in Macclesfield on 6th June 2020.

“His life touched so many others in positive ways, not just those involved in Dewsbury Arts Group, but from many walks of life where he encouraged and inspired many.”

“David was such a giant of a man and his shadow is always going to be there to remind us of his laughter, his energy, his wit, his kindness, and his ability to see the potential in others and draw out their best.”

Milestones