Benson Landes'Relaxing Dancer' Contemporary figurative Bronze sculpture of a Ballerina
About the Item
- Creator:Benson Landes (1927 - 2013, British)
- Dimensions:Height: 8 in (20.32 cm)Width: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Shrewsbury, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8128707802
Benson Landes
For Benson Landes, sculpture was most definitely a passion. His oeuvre of cast bronzes is populated with “off-duty” ballet dancers, rather wistful women, often caught in moments of solitary repose. Such an obvious appreciation of the grace and elegance of the female form was, no doubt, heightened by 25 years spent in the couture business, which Landes entered at the age of 14.
The sculptor admitted that his time as an apprentice at his father’s clothing workroom and factory was given rather reluctantly, as he always harbored desires to become an artist. The young boy’s sense of responsibility was clearly equal to his creativity, though, as Landes knuckled down and learned the family trade. At the age of 18, however, a two-year conscription to the RAF provided one of the few opportunities for Landes to experience artistic freedom. The possibilities of otherwise unobtainable materials such as pastels, paper, perspex and plaster of paris fuelled his ingenuity at the base’s well-stocked workshop.
On completion of his RAF service, Landes briefly returned to the clothing factory now owned by his father. After his marriage to Ruth at 21, in an effort to provide for his new wife, Landes decided to set up his own business. Starting with a single sewing machine and tailoress, Landes and Ruth soon expanded the business. By the 1970s they employed over 50 staff and supplied to prestigious stores such as Dickens & Jones and Harrods.
As the decade progressed, however, fashion turned toward less structured, more casual garments; a trend that prompted Landes to retire and spend time with his first love, sculpture. Buoyed by the liberty he enjoyed in his studio, Landes succeeded in selling some of his first pieces of sculpture, a collection of sporting trophies shown at the 1981 Open Golf Championship, to Garrards, the Crown Jewellers. This success quickly brought important contacts and new commissions.
Landes always maintained that being able to work as a sculptor is a unique privilege. Usually in the company of a model, he often worked in the studio against the soothing background of classical music. Indeed, now eminently collectable, Landes’s work provided much comfort after the death of Ruth. Landes said that the things that mattered in life are those of beauty; he truly believed that romance and elegance are necessary shields to what he saw as the sometimes too hurried manner of life today.
Landes sadly passed away in the autumn of 2013.
Find original Benson Landes sculptures on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by Callaghan's of Shrewsbury)
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Contemporary Wildlife Bronze Sculpture of a Gorilla 'Nico Jnr' by Tobias MartinBy Tobias MartinLocated in Shrewsbury, Shropshire'Nico Jnr' by Tobias Martin is a Solid Bronze Animal Sculpture. Based on the famous Gorilla 'Nico' who was the largest and oldest Silverback Gorilla...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Contemporary British Wildlife Bronze Sculpture 'Sir Humphrey' by Tobias MartinBy Tobias MartinLocated in Shrewsbury, Shropshire'Sir Humphrey' by Tobias Martin is a Solid Bronze Animal Sculpture. The beautiful patina is what brings these sculptures to life and gives each one a character. Tobias Martin was bo...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Contemporary Ballerina Sculpture of a Dancer 'Last Dance' by Benson LandesBy Benson LandesLocated in Shrewsbury, Shropshire'Last Dance' by Benson Landes is a stunning 20th Century Solid Bronze Nude Figurative Ballet Dancer. For Benson Landes, sculpture was most definitely a passion. His oeuvre of cast bronzes is populated with ‘off duty’ ballet dancers, rather wistful women, often caught in moments of solitary repose. Such an obvious appreciation of the grace and elegance of the female form was, no doubt, heightened by 25 years spent in the couture business, which Benson entered at the age of 14. The sculptor admitted that his time as an apprentice at his father’s clothing workroom and factory was given rather reluctantly, as he always harbored desires to become an artist. The young boy’s sense of responsibility was clearly equal to his creativity, though, as Benson knuckled down...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Contemporary Wildlife Sculpture of a Water Bird 'Woodcock' by Richard SmithBy Richard Smith b.1955Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire'Woodcock' by Richard Smith is a beautiful contemporary bronze sculpture. Beautiful patina and incredible detail. Sure to make an amazing addition to any collection! Richard J. Smit...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Contemporary Life size Wildlife Patinated Sculpture 'Tortoise' by Tobias MartinBy Tobias MartinLocated in Shrewsbury, Shropshire'Tortoise' by Tobias Martin is a Solid Bronze Animal Sculpture. Tobias Martin was born in 1972 in Wiltshire, 12 miles from Stonehenge. Influenced by his idyllic rural upbringing, and the forces of nature and magic that permeated his childhood surroundings, these works have something of the mystical about them. Each piece is approached with precise observation and an acute interest in the minutiae of the subject matter, manipulating the material with a delicacy and lightness of touch. Despite being realised in heavy materials such as bronze, the resulting piece achieves a sense of movement and character that conveys the essential spirit of the animal. Inspired by the work of Grinling Gibbons and Alfred...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Nude Bronze Figurative Sculpture Ballet Dancer by Benson Landes 'Quiet Elegance'By Benson LandesLocated in Shrewsbury, Shropshire'Quiet Elegance' is a beautiful nude bronze sculpture of ballet dancer by the renowned sculptor Benson Landes. For Benson Landes, sculpture was most definitely a passion. His oeuvre of cast bronzes is populated with ‘off duty’ ballet dancers, rather wistful women, often caught in moments of solitary repose. Such an obvious appreciation of the grace and elegance of the female form was, no doubt, heightened by 25 years spent in the couture business, which Benson entered at the age of 14. The sculptor admitted that his time as an apprentice at his father’s clothing workroom and factory was given rather reluctantly, as he always harbored desires to become an artist. The young boy’s sense of responsibility was clearly equal to his creativity, though, as Benson knuckled down...Category
20th Century Contemporary Nude Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Kestrel, Cast Bronze Sculpture by British artist Paul HarveyBy Paul HarveyLocated in Battle, East SussexKestrel, Limited edition Cast Bronze by Paul Harvey This is an edition of 12 Cast by the Pangolin foundry, one of the best foundries in Europe, they are meticulous in every detail ...Category
2010s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Barn Owl, Cast Bronze Sculpture by British artist Paul HarveyBy Paul HarveyLocated in Battle, East SussexBarn Owl, Limited edition Cast Bronze by Paul Harvey This is an edition of 12 with only 3 editions remaining Cast by the Pangolin foundry, one of the best foundries in Europe, they ...Category
2010s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Pregnant WomanBy Caroline RussellLocated in London, GBCaroline started this sculpture when pregnant with her first child. She found becoming a mother an incredibly inspiring experience and wanted to reflect on the real privilege it was to watch her children grow and develop. This sculpture is available in an edition of 5 in foundry bronze. Caroline Russell...Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Mother and Children bronze sculpture by Caroline RussellBy Caroline RussellLocated in London, GBOne of the first sculptures Caroline made after her second child was born. Her children and her often used to sit in this position when they were small. They both used to want to sit on her lap at the same time, so sat on one knee each. Caroline Russell...Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- The New BabyBy Caroline RussellLocated in London, GBIn this sculpture, started soon after the birth of Caroline's first child, the new baby is the focus of attention for both parents. This sculpture is available in an edition of 5 in foundry bronze. Caroline Russell...Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Family of Four sculpture by Caroline RussellBy Caroline RussellLocated in London, GBThis piece was inspired by Caroline's own family, both past and present. She grew up with a younger brother, and had two children boy and girl herself. Caroline Russell...Category
2010s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze