Artist’s Statement
I aim to achieve a sculpture that draws the eye to all areas through its design flow. I like naturalistic, tactile, chunky forms and for the piece to be capable of a long life. Carving Portland stone or wood is my chief interest. Children everywhere are my inspiration.
Method of Working
My work starts with modelling in plasticine; wired figures are manipulated until the composition satisfies from every viewpoint. I then carve this into wax, forestalling future problems. When happy, I make working drawings to scale and am ready to draw all over the stone. I now use my mechanical electric chisel (rather noisy), or my preferred hand tools, the steel claws, chisels and punches, and different sizes of mallet to remove any parts of the stone not required. There are hazards such as fossils and flaws in the stone, which have to be accommodated or avoided. When completed, after four or five months, a mould is taken from the stone for a small bronze addition. I usually have three carvings to my work at any one time. I have used many materials and methods, such as wax modelling for silver work, weldings (sold by Liberty’s), and portrait work.
Biographical Details
1934 Born on 30 March in Essex
1954-57 Studied at Essex Technical College and School of Art
1957-61 Studied Sculpture at Royal Academy Schools
1961 Freelance Sculptor
1974-75 Obtained Art Teacher’s Diploma at Stockwell College
1978-79 Postgraduate Certificate of Education at Goldsmiths College
1980-93 Taught Design Technology in a London Comprehensive School
1993- Membership Secretary of the Royal Academy Schools Alumni

Works

Two Children on a Rock
Copper polyester 1965
Ht 122cm
Paddling pool Town Park
Owned by the District Council

Commissioned 1963 following a competition installed 1965. It was so badly vandalised that it was removed. The artist did not have the mould so repair was not possible. (2007)

See article in Newsletter Autumn 2007.