Margaret Christian Grigor

Margaret Christian Grigor (March 2, 1912, Forres, Scotland – December 1, 1981, Steilacoom, Washington, US) was a prolific sculptor and medalist, working in metal, wood, stone, In 1969 she won the Lindsey Morris Prize for best bas-relief from the National Sculpture Society. and an official Bicentennial medal.

Life Margaret Christian Grigor was born on March 2, 1912, in Forres, Scotland. She then studied art with Walker Hancock and Albert Laessle at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). Several of her medals have received particular attention. Speaking of her work, she once stated, "I sculpt so that I can hold my head up high. People don't have to like what I do, but they recognize me as a sculptor. That is what I am." The design features a torch of knowledge on one side, with the recipient's name, and a cauldron, caduceus, and industrial buildings on the obverse. For this medal, Grigor chose to celebrate the addition of two new cultures to the United States. One side of the medal shows two Eskimo men ice-fishing and cutting blocks of ice, while the other side shows two Native Hawaiians women working, grinding poi and mending a woven mat. The medal was struck by Medallic Art Company (1900–1990) at the Danbury Mint, and distributed by the National Sculpture Society.

United States Bicentennial contest Grigor competed in a national contest, conducted by the Treasury Department and judged by the National Sculpture Society for the United States Bicentennial. After being selected, Grigor created an official Bicentennial medal for the United States Mint, portraying Paul Reveres ride and the battles at Lexington and Concord.

Awards and honors 1972, Alumnae Association award, Mount Holyoke College 1937, Cresson Traveling Scholarship, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts