It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Paul Dibble. Paul left us yesterday, peacefully in the company of family and loved ones. Our thoughts are very much with Fran and the Dibble whānau at this time.
Paul was born in Waitakururu in 1943. He graduated from Elam in 1967 and went on to forge a remarkable career in sculpture. Some of his many career highlights include being commissioned to produce the New Zealand War Memorial in London, which was unveiled in 2006, and his appointment to the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2005 New Year Honours. His sculptures are held in public and private collections throughout the country and are widely admired by people from all walks of life.
Paul has been a pillar of Gow Langsford's exhibition roster from the very beginning. He first showed with us in 1987, the same year the gallery started, and he continued to create magnificent sculptural works right up until the last few months of his life. His last solo show with Gow Langsford was Huia Sings Alone, held in June and July of 2023.
Paul's art has enriched the lives of so many collectors and art lovers over the years, and he has left an extraordinary legacy. He will long be remembered as one of New Zealand's greatest sculptors. To those who knew him personally, he was a down-to-earth, warm, and good-humoured man.
Mā te wā Paul, you will be missed.
