Tom Otterness

Angry Father, family sculpture in bronze

1984

Nothing is more delightful than depictions of people from the turn of the century that convey a distinguished sort of elegance, composure and dignity. Gone today is the concept of "...

Humphris is a highly acclaimed American sculptor and created a large body of work of Western subject matter, particularly of the American Indian so rare to get a soldier. He did liv...

Max Kalish was an important and highly collected American sculptor desired for his depictions of the working man. Here we see a miner taking a break. Kalish was adept at conveying ...

This joyous in the round bronze can turn on its base, making for dramatic presentation and enjoyment that is interactive. It is based on the idea of the Three Graces which is often an allegorical subject in sculpture. Wein has done a contemporary feeling interpretation of this classic theme. Piece itself measure 12 1/2 inches and sits on a 3 1/4 inch base and is attached to its base at two points and it is a revolving or rather turning base. The two points on which the toes touch and are secured are striking for how little of the bronze touches the base. It is Fourth in an edition of 13. Albert Wein...

A fine patinated bronze of the iconic classic Greek statue of Venus de Milo, incised by artist on base side (possibly 19th century French sculptor Ron Li...

The dynamic nature of this ecstatic pirouette must be experienced from all sides. Whirlwind examines the forces of attraction and separation in a relationship. The couple’s solid bon...

The male figure lies atop a cresting wavelike column, seemingly elevated by the experience. One hand is nearly touching his heart while the other hand is held open in a gesture of re...

'Dancer Resting on Barre' is an elegant yet sensual sculpture. Landes' skill at conveying a sense of ease and confidence of the dancers is impeccable - this piece would be a fantastic addition to any collection. 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 and learned the family trade. At the age of 18, however, a 2 year conscription to the RAF provided one of the few opportunities for Benson 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, Benson 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, Benson decided to set up his own business. Starting with a single sewing machine and tailoress, Benson 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 towards less structured, more casual garments; a trend that prompted Benson to retire and spend time with his first love, sculpture. Buoyed by the liberty he enjoyed in his studio, Benson 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. Benson 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, Benson’s work provided much comfort after the death of Ruth. Benson 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. Benson sadly passed away in the autumn of 2013. Solid Bronze Figurative Ballet Sculpture...