Frank Wesley & Woodstock

One of the most distinguished Indian Christian artists of the 20th century, Frank Wesley (1923-2002) shares a special relationship with Woodstock School and Mussoorie. Heading the Art Department here from 1969-73, Wesley created several of his well-known paintings while in Woodstock, including the recently restored "Jesus Healing the Sick", as well as the popular "Prodigal Son" and "St. Francis of Assisi with the Birds of India."

Wesley, who is now considered a guru by budding Indian Christian artists, regularly depicted Christ and Biblical scenes in an Indian context. His work has been exhibited at eminent venues around the world and Wesley earned the honour of designing an urn which held the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi.

Wesley was born in 1923 in the town of Azamgarh in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. He joined the Government School of Arts and Crafts in Lucknow, following which his reputation as an artist continued to grow. By the mid-1940s, he was already one of the best known painters in the country and his watercolour 'Blue Madonna' was used on a UNICEF card in early 1950s. Around this time, Wesley's artwork was exhibited at the Holy Year exhibition in the Vatican.

Wesley continued to study art in Japan as well as in Chicago. Upon his return to India, he worked as a freelance artist. Wesley, with his wife and children, moved to Mussoorie in 1969, where he became head of the Art Department. Wesley enjoyed photography and trekking and was deeply influenced by Mussoorie's natural beauty. During his time here, he held many solo exhibitions and gave lectures on art. In 1969, he set up a booth of fine art Woodstock Sale where he started selling his own art work, which continued to be sold at the booth until 1984. In 1973, Wesley and his family opted to move to Australia, where he continued his journey as an artist, regularly exhibiting and selling his work.

After an influential and successful career, Frank Wesley passed away in 2002.

Facts and Quotes courtesy: Wray, Naomi. Frank Wesley: Exploring Faith With a Brush. Auckland, New Zealand: Pace Publishing, 1989.