Key

As you move and zoom the map this panel will show you all the records that are currently in view on the map.

Close

1939 - 2021

Iqbal Geoffrey

Posted in:

People

Author:

Amirah
alt here
alt here

Iqbal Geoffrey was a man of Pakistani origin who travelled to London after being accepted as a legal professional in Pakistan and aged 21, he made his way to London with the hopes of pursuing his dreams of art. Very quickly, Geoffrey established himself as an artist in London with his work, 'Epitaph 1958' being acquired by the Tate in 1962 which was an extraordinary feat considering the racial discrimination that people of colour faced during this time. Although, Iqbal Geoffrey found himself to be discouraged and disenchanted with the racial prejudice that he was forced to endure within the world of art and left London to attend Harvard Law School, beginning his multiple careers as a lawyer, educator, accountant and, artist.

Geoffrey was extremely disillusioned with the idea of the British royal family owning the Koh-i-noor diamond, something which has been the subject of vigorous debates for multiple decades, and sought to make an effort to send the diamond back to where it rightfully belonged. Therefore, Iqbal Geoffrey sent 786 letters outlining legal action to the British royal family. He also worked to fight racial discrimination that existed within the art world based upon the injustices he witnessed, he was very much an advocator of equality for people of colour.

Iqbal Geoffrey's life had a huge impact upon people of colour, specifically those who work within the world of art and cannot be looked at as anything but inspirational, to say the least. He passed on the 1st of September 2021 but his work and life will have an everlasting consequence, إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ.

Related links

Tags

Collections this record belongs to

Sources and Attribution

'Remember Iqbal Geoffery Sir (1939-2021)' Article by, Hassan Vawda.

Licensing

Spotted an issue Report this record

Loading please wait