A Prison Artist

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 232, 2 October 1935, Page 9

A Prison Artist

CAEVED MASTERPIECES

Wood carvings made by an Englishman in. San Quentin, the world's largest prison across the Bay of San Francisco, U.S.A., are being hailed as a masterpiece by critics.

The artist who has not allowed prison walls to crush his inspiration is Samuel Duke H. Ledbetter. Ho was reared in England amid wealth and refinement, and then travelled widely. When his parents died he inherited estates valued at more than £200,000 in England, Florida and California. Eventually he settled in Hollywood, -whore he lived luxuriously in four homes acquired through his inheritance. Five years ago he was convicted of a felony in Los Angeles, and was sentenced to a maximum of 50 years’ imprisonment, ultimately fixed at 25 years.

“A trumpet-up case, pure and simple,” he said, "to cheat me out of my money.” Genuine or false, the convictions sent him to prison. Ledbetter, although 51, was not disheartened, He quickly adjusted himself to his task as a finisher in the furniture shop. Wood carving and working had always been his hobbies. He started creating objects from bits of wood, toothbrush handles, and pieces of glass found in prison scrap heaps. His first work, heralded as a masterpiece, depicts a stalking tiger preparing for the leap that means death to its prey. Muscles taut, jaws set iu fiery rage, the amimal is vividly "alive.” Claws from toothbrush handies and eyes of green glass lend realism. Admired by the late Governor James Eolpii on a visit to San Quentin, the work was. presented to him as a gift from Ledbetter. What the critics believe is Ledbetter’s finest work shows two giant eagles in full flight, breaking the backbone of a snake, preparatory to devouring it. Six gold medals at California State Fairs, as well as numerous silver cups and trophies at other exhibitions, have been awarded Ledbetter for his efforts. Besides wood carving, he excels also iu sculpturing, painting, music, and invention of mechanical appliances. Ho- can converse in 23 different languages.