Alex F Smith came to Keighley in 1889 from Glasgow. Once in Keighley he joined the staff at the School of Art, under the new headmaster Tom Clifton Butterfield.
He combined his business as a master crafstman with his teaching.
His Victorian advertisements said: 'carving in stone, marble, alabaster, wood and cement'
His firm Messrs Smith & Boothman fulfilled demands for war memorials, cinemas amd public houses (elaborate & stylish)
His work included The entrance to Keighley Public Library, the Great War memorial at Morton Cemetery, the Bishop of Bradford's crozier and a cross at Bradford Cathedral.
He painted two murals at Keighley Library in 1929 when the first children's library opened - this was his gift to the children of Keighley - these show scenes from Robinson Crusoe and Westward Ho!.
Alex retired in 1946 he was aged 90 years, he enrolled as a student in teenage carving, modelling and life paiting classes at Keighley School of Art.
I personally own a piece of artwork by Alex F Smith as does a member of our society.
He died in 1953 - he was 90 years old.
His studio was in Grange Street, Lawkholme Lane.
