My Biography

David Abse was born in London in December 1958. Despite being born in England, David never has felt that this defines his identity. His father brainwashed him to support Cardiff City FC, and told his son that he was half Welsh, and half Jewish, and half English. David realised early on his father's mathematical shortcomings and was glad that his father had chosen a career as a poet rather than as a quantum physicist. David's mother Joan was from Lancashire (St Helens) and her parents were English and Scottish. She moved to London as a young woman where she met David's dad, Dannie. After bringing up three kids, she became a renowned art historian. David's maternal grandfather (Jack Mercer) had a profound effect on David's life: He worked as a shop steward for years in the Pilkingtons' glassworks in St Helens, but after he retired he went to art school every day for 30 years. He died 30 years ago, aged 99, still a communist, determined not to get a telegram from the queen. David studies art at Wolverhampton School of Art and design and his work has been exhibited throughout the world, and has appeared in numerous publications.