It is with great sadness that we announce the death of the distinguished art critic, writer and poet Edward Lucie-Smith (1933–2026). For the last fifteen years, Edward served as Artlyst’s Chief Reviewer, bringing unrivalled knowledge, sharp critical insight and an unmistakable literary voice to our publication. His reviews challenged convention, celebrated artistic achievement and never shied away from difficult questions. A towering figure in post-war art criticism, Edward leaves behind an extraordinary body of work that shaped generations of artists, writers and readers. His absence will be felt by everyone at Artlyst and throughout the international art community.
Millicent Fawcett by Gillian Wearing
Banal Public Statues – We Deserve Better – Edward Lucie-Smith
Jul 10, 2021
Antony Gormley, Aldburgh Beach photo courtesy Caroline Wiseman
UK Art Can Be A Ball Of Confusion – Edward Lucie-Smith
Feb 23, 2021
Hauser & Wirth, London ©Artlyst
Public Art Galleries vs Commercial Who Will Win – Edward Lucie-Smith
Jul 29, 2020
Frieze London © Artlyst
What I Don’t Like About The Contemporary Art Scene – Edward Lucie-Smith
Jan 1, 2020
Ai Wewei, Royal Academy of Arts ©Artlyst
Best Art Of The 21st Century? – In Your Dreams – Edward Lucie-Smith
Sep 29, 2019
Turner Prize 2018
Zombie Formalism: Ticking The Right Boxes Be Damned – Edward Lucie-Smith
Jan 3 2019
Edward Lucie-Smith, 2018 ©Artlyst
Turner Prize Smug-Fest Crashes And Bores – Edward Lucie-Smith
Sep 24, 2018
Judy Chicago, Menstruation Bathroom, 1995, mixed media, reinstallation at LAMOCA of 1972 Menstruation Bathroom from Womanhouse, 1995. © Judy Chicago
Women Need More Recognition For Their Contribution To Visual Arts – Edward Lucie-Smith
Aug 20, 2018
Royal Academy of Arts
RA’s 250th Anniversary A Triumph Of The Wall? – Edward Lucie-Smith
Jun 11, 2018
Pablo Picasso Le Rêve 1932
Pablo Picasso: Genius Or Just Another Misogynistic Pig – Edward Lucie-Smith
Mar 6, 2018
Edward Lucie-Smith, 2017 ©Artlyst
Things I Hate About The British Art World Today – Edward Lucie-Smith
Dec 31, 2017
Queer Art At Tate – My Take By Edward Lucie-Smith
Apr 5, 2017
Top Photo: Edward Lucie-Smith in front of the Merz Barn Wall, Kurt Schwitters © P C Robinson Artlyst 2026