ULLMANN, ERNEST

ULLMANN, ERNEST (1900–1975), South African artist. Born in Munich, he worked as illustrator for Auslandspost and later in Berlin for Mitropa-Zeitung. In 1935 he settled in Johannesburg and the following year won the Empire Exhibition poster competition. He was art editor of the weekly, The Forum, 1938–46, worked independently in various media, and took up sculpture. In 1950 he toured Israel and painted ten murals for the "Israel Cavalcade" exhibition in Johannesburg. His designs for wood panels and glass engravings for "Yad Vashem," the Etz Chaim Memorial Hall, Johannesburg, were unveiled in 1969. Ullmann's other works include book illustrations, designs for tapestries, and monumental sculptures in various South African cities, notably a large bronze group, Playmakers, for the Civic Theatre, Johannesburg, 1964. A park and recreation center in Johannesburg is named in his honor. He wrote an autobiography, Designs on Life (Cape Town, 1970). (Lewis Sowden)