Oral History Interview with Gilbert (Gil) Franklin, March 18, 1996

Authors

Gil Franklin, Rhode Island School of Design, Professor Emeritus
Andrew Martinez, Rhode Island School of DesignFollow
RISD Archives, Rhode Island School of DesignFollow
Frank Muhly

Files

Description

Interview of Gilbert (Gil) Franklin, conducted by Jack Massey at the Virginia Lynch Gallery in Tiverton, RI on March 18, 1996 for the RISD Oral History Project. Franklin speaks of his time in the Sculpture department at RISD, as both a student and a professor, along with other departments which were forming such as the Ceramics, Glass, and Photography departments. Franklin also recalls his time at the American Academy in Rome and the beginnings of the RISD European Honors Program.

Biographical/Historical Note

Gilbert (Gil) Franklin (1919-2004) was a sculptor who served as Professor of Sculpture, and Chairman and Dean of the Division of Fine Arts at the Rhode Island School of Design. After attending an evening course in drawing with a RISD instructor during high school, Franklin was encouraged to attend the school before continuing his studies at the Museo Nacional in Mexico City and the American Academy in Rome. Franklin was named an H.M. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Fine Arts at RISD.

Franklin is interviewed by Jack Massey, who taught at RISD for 50 years. Massey founded the Carr Haus gallery and played a key role in the restoration of RISD’s Woods-Gerry Mansion. He aided in the establishment of RISD’s European Honors Program in Rome and served as the program’s Chief Critic. The interview takes place on March 18, 1996. Produced by Frank Muhly.

Recommended Citation

Franklin, Gil; Martinez, Andrew; Archives, RISD; and Muhly, Frank, "Oral History Interview with Gilbert (Gil) Franklin, March 18, 1996" (1996). RISD Oral History Project. 27.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/archives_oralhistories/27