Charles Musgrove Allmond III (1931-2019) [NRA 1988-2011, H NRA 2011-2019]

First name: Charles ;
Middle name: Musgrove ;
Last name: Allmond ;

Member: Honorary non-resident artist member ; 
Begin: 1988 ;
End: 2019 ;

Biography:

Charles M. Allmond, III, renowned sculptor, former Delaware attorney and agronomist, died on October 16, 2019 at the age of 88. Charles is survived by the love of his life, Frances Oliphant Allmond. Charles and Frances married at the end of their senior year of college and remained steadfast partners and sweethearts for the next 66 years. In addition to his son Bayard W. Allmond, III (Susan) and daughter Sarah A. Long (Darrell), he is survived by grandchildren Jacquelyn Allmond, Bradley Allmond, Taylor Long Holladay (Justin) and Nathaniel Long, and great-grandson Bennett Holladay. He is also survived by his brother Bayard W. Allmond, Jr., M.D. (Nancy) of Berkeley, CA.

Charles was a master of his craft. He found inspiration in the natural world particularly showcasing birds, animals, and marine life. His sculptures are interpretive, often serving as metaphors for growth, renewal, passages in life and emotion. He strove to create something meaningful and lasting, to which people could relate. The direct carving method and its steps of chiseling, filing, sanding, and polishing to a finish, came from his hands and were steered by his heart. He titled every piece to provide the viewer with a glimpse into his thought process and did not consider a piece completed until it was titled. His sculptures have been exhibited in the US, Canada, Japan, and Sweden; in various venues, including over a hundred different museums. His work is represented in public, corporate, and private collections across the country, including an extensive collection in the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover. He received many regional and national honors, including the Governor’s Award for the Arts.

A tenth generation Swedish-American whose ancestors arrived in New Sweden in 1654, he lived in Delaware all his life. Charles graduated from P.S. duPont High School (1949), received his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture in 1953 and master’s degree in Agronomy in 1957 from the University of Delaware, after service in the U.S. Coast Guard. Charles received his law degree from Temple University in 1963. He practiced law for more than thirty years, retiring in 1995.

He was very active in civic and cultural affairs serving on the Boards of several non-profit organizations in the State. He was honored to be inducted into the University of Delaware Alumni Wall of Fame in 2007. Charles felt a strong tie to those who had gone before, becoming a Mason in 1957. He was a member of Temple Lodge No. 11 A.F. and A.M., serving as Master from 1968-1970.

A visitation will be held from 10am to 11am, Wednesday, November 13th, at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, with a masonic service to be held at 11am, followed immediately by a memorial service. Interment at the Newark Union Cemetery will be private. To honor Charles, the family suggests donations to an organization of your choice.