Sir Terry Frost (1915–2003) was a major British abstract artist whose career spanned much of the 20th century. Born in Leamington Spa, England, Frost began painting while serving as a prisoner of war during World War II, discovering a profound need for creative expression under extreme circumstances. After the war, he studied at the Bath School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London, developing a bold, vibrant style influenced by European modernism, particularly the work of Matisse, Mondrian, and the St Ives School.

Frost became closely associated with the St Ives artistic community in Cornwall, where the interplay of light, color, and coastal landscapes inspired much of his work. He explored geometric abstraction, lyrical forms, and dynamic color relationships, often using repeated motifs such as circles, stripes, and spirals. Over his long career, Frost produced paintings, prints, and sculptures characterized by energy, clarity, and a joyful engagement with form and color.

Knighted in 1998 for his contribution to British art, Frost held teaching positions at Camberwell School of Art, the Bath Academy, and the University of Reading, influencing generations of artists. His work is represented in major public collections, including Tate Britain, the British Council, and the Victoria & Albert Museum, and he remains celebrated as one of Britain’s most important postwar abstract painters.