Robert Loder

Loder co-founded the Triangle network with the sculptor Anthony Caro in 1982, after the pair developed the idea of intensive workshops for professional artists. In 1959 he founded the African Arts Trust. He served as treasurer and later chairman of the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London, and was appointed CBE in 1989.

The collection developed over several decades through Robert Loder’s close involvement with artists, workshops, residencies and artist-led organisations. Many works were acquired through the relationships and artistic communities that grew around this work, particularly through his involvement with the Triangle Network and its associated workshops and organisations. The collection reflects these encounters, bringing together artists from different generations, countries and contexts whose paths crossed through a wider international network of artistic exchange.

The first Triangle workshop was held in the summer of 1982 at Pine Plains, New York. Related workshops followed in southern Africa and elsewhere, including Pachipamwe, Thupelo and later gatherings at Shave Farm in Somerset.

In 1994 Loder founded Gasworks in London, which became a principal hub of the Triangle network.

Loder served as treasurer and later chairman of the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London.

Alongside the artworks is a growing archive of publications, photographs, correspondence, writings, exhibition material and other records. Material is being progressively catalogued and digitised.