Albert Swinden

Following notes based on interview with Alice Carter, the artist's daughter. (Tom Rassieur, 20 Dec 2007).

Born 1901, Birmingham, England. One of ten children. Parents died young. Raised by an older sister. Moved to Canada (Windsor, Ontario). Spent some time in school in Detroit.

Left family at a young age. At age 18 or 19, he moved to the USA. He enlisted for military service during WWI in order to gain citizenship. Six months later, before he could be sent to Europe, peace was declared.

Moved to New York, where he lived for the rest of his life.

Studied with Hans Hoffmann.

1928, started to paint abstractly.

Founding member of American Abstract Artists.

Married Rebecca Palter (1912-1998, Polish).

Lived in Greenwich Village and later West End Ave. in the 80s.

Studio was on West Broadway at 8th Ave. near the Automat.

Sometimes shared studio with Malcolm Greene

Represented by Washburn Gallery, then Graham Gallery.

Earned his living as an engineering draftsman.