Iliya Beshkov (1901-1958)

Iliya Beshkov is one of the most remarkable Bulgarian artists from the early years of the 20th century. He worked mainly in the field of the visual arts - Painting and Graphics, as well as as a writer and a pedagogue. He was born on 24th July, 1901 in Dolni Dabnik. After graduating from highschool in Pleven, he studies in the Law faculty of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski". He returns to Plovdiv for a short time as a teacher. In 1921 he starts studying painting in the Art Academy, in prof. Nicola Marinov's class, graduating in 1926. Beshkov works with a number of publishing houses, newspapers and magazines, publishing more than 60 books. From 1945 he teaches painting, illustation and design of the book in the Academy. In 1953 he becomes a professor and leads department 'Graphic' until his death. He dies on 23rd January, 1958. The Art gallery in Plovdiv bears his name. The gallery has preserved more than 1200 of his works - the biggest collection in the national art museum with great value. (Photo: www.pleven.bg)