Peter Thursby, FRBS, PRWA (1930-2011) was a well-known sculptor, painter, draughtsman and printmaker.  He was born in Salisbury and after National Service he studied art at the West of England College of Art in Bristol 1953-54. Subsequently at Exeter College of Art his interest in sculpture was stimulated.  He became a member of the Artists’ International Association in 1957, of the Newlyn Society of Artists 1959, of Penwith Society of Artists 1963, an associate of the Royal West of England Academy 1962, a full RWA member 1971 (of which group he was later President 1995-2000), an associate of the Royal Society of British Sculptors 1973 and a full RBS member 1983. He became Head of the Art School at Exeter College 1972. In 1989 he gave up teaching to work on his sculpture full time. In 2006 a biography by Simon Olding and Vivienne Light was published on the artist.