Sri Lanka Burgher Family Genealogy

KEYT – Family #1252

1  James Keyt

    2  David R Keyt, b:26 Jun 1786 + Abigail Crane Keyt, b:1 Sep 1788, m:3 Aug 1808 in Westfield NJ

        3  James Keyt, b:14 Oct 1809

        3  Anne Eliza Keyt, b:7 May 1810, d:10 Apr 1833

3         William Henry Keyt, b:24 Feb 1811

4        1  Henry Keyt + Constancy Sproule

    2  Jeorge Keyt, b:1901 in Kandy, Ceylon + Gladys Ruth Janz

George Keyt :

World acclaimed Sri Lankan painter

All lovers of art and paintings will know who George Keyt was. He was Sri Lanka's most distinguished and renowned modern painter and his exceptional talent in the arts made him a world acclaimed painter.

George keyt was born in the Sri Lankan hill capital city Kandy in 1901. He reached the age of 70 together with his wife GRJ.
His parents were Henry Keyt and Constancy Sproule who were of Indo-Dutch origin. He was educated at Trinity College, one of the leading educational institutions in the city of Kandy. They had two daughters.

George was a painter and many of his works have been brought to England. He started painting while still in school and at the age of 15 already received an award for his work. Buddhism played a large role in his work. The GKF is honoring this great artist and is trying to return his work to SL. 

His passion for art began while he was still in school. Keyt won his first art prize at the age of 15 and his first public exhibit was a pen and ink drawing displayed at the annual exhibition of the Ceylon Society of Arts. Since 1947, George Keyt had held more then 25 one-man exhibitions in Sri Lanka.

Buddhism played a leading role in the art and work of George Keyt. From an early age, he was drawn towards the teachings of the Buddha, and this influenced him in his works later in life.

He became greatly drawn towards Buddhism as soon as he understood the enduring (lasting) appeal of its basic concepts, and while yet a very young man, championed the cause of Buddhist revival. He wrote both prose and verse extensively to Buddhist publications. While contributing decorative drawings on religious subjects, Keyt maintained a degree of individuality in his paintings, from the start. His paintings covered a number of varied themes from Buddhist history and also musical moods.

The Jataka tales (stories of the previous lives of the Buddha) also featured extensively in his artwork.

He also did murals in temples in which the monastic, court and village life of the old times were depicted. These paintings were of great interest and rare quality.

George Keyt was a founder member of one of the most influential art groups in Sri Lanka. In 1943, Keyt got together with eight other artists to form 'the 43 Group' which operated in a number of European countries.

Many exhibitions of his work have been held in India, London and other European and American centres. His drawings are to be found in various museums and galleries both local and foreign, as well as in private collections in Sri Lanka and throughout the world.

The exceptional artist died in 1993. Several of Keyt's paintings, which were taken to London for exhibitions, have been lying there for over 40 years.

The George Keyt Foundation, which was set up in 1988 to honour the artist and promote his work, is now trying to get these paintings returned to Sri Lanka.

George Keyt Foundation has taken many steps to promote art

R.S. Karunaratne – DN Wed May 16 2007

COLOMBO: The quality of our artists has deteriorated. "Although the George Keyt Foundation holds annual international artist camps. Local artists who patronise the camps and Kalapola exhibitions are looking forward to sell their paintings," said Shanth Fernando addressing a press conference at Paradise Road Gallery Cafe recently.

Fernando said the George Keyt Foundation (GKF) had laid down stringent rules in the selection of paintings for the annual exhibition, this was done mainly to improve the quality of paintings.

"When you look at a painting, you can say whether it is an Indian, Chinese or Japanese painting. However, Sri Lankan artists have not developed that kind of identity, although local artists have financial problems, they should not go after money without developing their skills," he said.

Tissa Devendra, one of the founder members of the GKF said the foundation had taken many steps to promote local art. For instance, the GKF was directly involved in the preservation of Gothami Vihara murals. The foundation also published a book containing George Keyt's line drawings.

"Most of our talent comes from rural areas. To encourage artists we hold Nava Kala Karuvo art fair annually. The first Kalapola attracted 35 artists. But today the number has gone upto 350. However, the standard of art has come down," he said. Professor Albert Dharmasiri said local artists had to develop their skills. Identity of artists was a part of culture. Deraniyagala and George Keyt had their own identities. Their paintings showed a gradual evolution of style.

"Young artists are not inclined to make a name today. They overestimate their work and try to sell their paintings at higher price," he said. Prof. Dharmasiri also said the G.K.F. would publish a newsletter soon to enable artists to exchange their views. When local artists do not have a dialogue with eminent foreign artists, they might think they are the best.

Jagath Ravindra an artist of repute, said our artists were self-made products, they should be exposed to good art and their work should be exhibited. The GKF had helped local artists since its formation. It was the duty of artists to improve their talents.

"The GKF has helped local artists to get themselves involved in artist camps, exhibitions and exchange programmes. This will help develop an art culture in the country," he said. Arun Dias Bandaranaike said artist camp had gone a long way to improve the standards of art.