Kiddey Trail
The Kiddey trail takes you on a self- guided tour in Newark around some key locations relating to Kiddey’s life and work. Find out more about the trail now
Robert Kiddey
(1900 - 1984)
Inspirational Sculptor and Artist
Share your memories
If you have any memories of Kiddey that you would like to share with us or have any of his work in your own home, please do get in touch as we’d love to know more. You can complete this online form here to get in touch.
Find out more
We have some recommendations of other sites you might like to visit to find out more about Robert Kiddey, his life and his works. Find our recommendations here.
This website is dedicated to celebrating the life and work of Robert Kiddey (1900–1984), a gifted sculptor, artist, and teacher who left a lasting cultural legacy in Newark and beyond. Here, you can discover more about his life, artistic achievements, and local impact. You’ll also find information about the Kiddey Trail — a self-guided walking tour of Newark showcasing public works and places connected to him - as well as links to further resources and opportunities to share your own memories of this fondly-remembered local figure.
About Robert Kiddey
Born in Nottingham in 1900, Robert Kiddey showed early promise as an artist, enrolling at the Nottingham School of Art at just fourteen. His work was later exhibited at the prestigious Salon in Paris and the Royal Academy in London, where he shared space with the likes of Sir Jacob Epstein, Pablo Picasso, and Augustus John.
After serving in the First World War, Kiddey moved to Newark in 1931 to teach at the newly opened Technical College. He remained in the town for the rest of his life, establishing a number of studios, including the wharf, in the marketplace, and finally at 5a King Street, a former infant school.
With his distinctive pork pie hat and enduring presence in the community, Kiddey became a well-known figure around Newark. He is warmly remembered by generations of local people as a generous teacher, a cultured spirit, and a true gentleman. One former student reflected:
"I was a student at Newark Technical College. Robert Kiddey was a very talented man and also a gentleman with time for everyone — a pleasure to have known him."
We invite you to explore the rest of the website to learn more about Robert Kiddey’s life, his legacy in Newark, and how you can take part in remembering and celebrating his remarkable contribution to the town.