Turnbull, William (1922– )

Scottish painter and sculptor. He became internationally known in his early career for his primitive, totemlike figures. From 1962, he explored minimalist form, employing identical, prefabricated units to produce austere, vertical, and repetitive structures grouped on a mathematically devised ground plan, as in 5 x 1 (1966; Tate Gallery, London). His later work has generally been more intimate in feeling.

Turnbull was a founder-member of the Independent Group at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), London, in 1952. In 1973 the Tate Gallery held a retrospective exhibition. In 1995–96 he had his first major show for over 20 years at the Serpentine Gallery, London.