14 May 1962

Silpa Bhirasri, founder of Silpakorn University

Professor Silpa Bhirasri, founder of Silpakorn University, died at Siriraj Hospital after an operation for intestinal cancer.

Born in Florence as Corrado Ferroci in 1892, he was invited to Thailand to teach sculpture at the Ministry of Palace Affairs in 1923. In 1943 he helped found Silpakorn University, a leading fine arts institution.

Known as the ‘father of modern art in Thailand’, he designed the democracy and victory monuments, and created the bronze statues of King Yod Fah (Rama I) at the Memorial Bridge, King Mongkut (Rama IV) on top of Khao Luang in Phetchaburi, and King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) at Lumpini Park. He became a Thai citizen and a Buddhist, and was considered by Thais as one of their own.

14 May 1962

Silpa Bhirasri, founder of Silpakorn University

Professor Silpa Bhirasri, founder of Silpakorn University, died at Siriraj Hospital after an operation for intestinal cancer.

Born in Florence as Corrado Ferroci in 1892, he was invited to Thailand to teach sculpture at the Ministry of Palace Affairs in 1923. In 1943 he helped found Silpakorn University, a leading fine arts institution.

Known as the ‘father of modern art in Thailand’, he designed the democracy and victory monuments, and created the bronze statues of King Yod Fah (Rama I) at the Memorial Bridge, King Mongkut (Rama IV) on top of Khao Luang in Phetchaburi, and King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) at Lumpini Park. He became a Thai citizen and a Buddhist, and was considered by Thais as one of their own.