The Antiques Council Art

'Morning Glory' by Carl Payne is a beautiful Nude Bronze Figurative Sculpture - part of a series of works based on Greek Myths. Continuing a successful career in England and Ireland, Carl joined Callaghan Fine Paintings and Works of Art at the beginning of 2004 in order to dedicate his time to create and develop stunning individual contemporary sculpture. Carl is a Staffordshire based sculptor for whom art has played a large part in his academic work taking him through the Burslem School of Art, the Henry Doulton School of Sculpture and then to Stafford College. After qualifying in Figurative Sculpture he launched his career with commission after commission which has now secured his reputation for fine quality workmanship both in life-size format and smaller decorative pieces. The list of his completed commissioned work is extensive, including many ‘house-hold’ names from the sporting world, commerce and the past. The following are just some of the private and publicly commissioned completed works that form Carl’s prestigious portfolio:- King George 5th and Queen Mary – life size portrait buste commissioned by Cunards Cruise Ships and located in the ballroom of the Queen Mary 2...

'Nanook the Polar Bear is an outstanding Bronze Sculpture by Tobias Martin. 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 Gilbert, Martin combines centuries old techniques with modern technology and materials. He has sculpted professionally for artists, film sets and exclusive interiors, as well as participating in numerous shows internationally including in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA. Solid Bronze Animal...

'Home Alone' by Benson Landes is a Solid Bronze Sculpture of a Nude Figure. Benson Landes sculpted dancers, as he loved their elegance - this passion is communicated to the viewer perfectly in this incredible sculpture. 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 Nude Figure...

Resting. A bronze sculpture of a resting ballet dancer figure by 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 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...

'Olympiad' is a solid bronze figurative sculpture of a resting ballet dancer by Benson Landes. The figure is so refined and delicate, a perfectly judged sculpture. Benson's theme is predominately the wonderful world of ballet and dancers, although some are beautiful ladies in quiet repose and elegance. Such an obvious appreciation of the grace and elegance of the female form was, no doubt, heightened by a lifetime spent in the couture business, which Benson entered at the age of 14. Benson succeeded in selling some of his first pieces of sculpture, a collection of sporting trophies...

Richard Smith's 'Shovelor Duck' truly conveys his love and knowledge of wildlife. He sculpts with such clarity and simplicity, the type of self-possessed confidence that only results from a true knowledge and time observing the animal. Richard Smith has gained an international reputation for his works of art, he has exhibited at prestigious galleries such as the Tryon Gallery and W. H. Pattersons in London, The Sportsman’s Edge Gallery in New York, The Call of Africa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and the Everard Reed Gallery in Johannesburg, South Africa. Richard has exhibited his paintings at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum in the USA, the Natural History Museum and Tring Museum in Britain. He has sold at all the major auctions houses in London, such as Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams and Phillips. In 2013 Callaghans of Shrewsbury commissioned a series of life size bronze birds. His works include British birds such as the elusive Snipe sitting atop a fence post and the beautiful Little Blue penguin...