SILPA BHIRASRI (CORRODO FEROCI)

1892-1962

An Italian–born sculptor, he became a professor of art at the age of 23 and was hired by King Rama VI to work as a sculptor of monuments. Bhirasri was also a great advocate for Thai art and worked to spread the knowledge of this overseas. In 1933 he opened the Silpakorn School, the first Thai art school, which became a university in 1943. He also launched the first National Exhibition of art in 1949.