Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7

John W. Mills (1933-2023) Bronzed Prowling Lion Sculpture

About the Item

A fascinating bronzed tabletop sculpture of a prowling lion by the acclaimed British sculptor, John W. Mills. This is an original resin maquette from the artist’s Caged Lion series which explores the symbolism of confining such a great and powerful beast to a cage. A lecturer at St Albans School of Art from 1962-70 and Hertfordshire College of Art and Design from 1970-77, Mills took inspiration for this thought-provoking collection from the lions at London Zoo after taking a group of students there to observe the animals during his teaching career. From here, he created the Caged Lion series, crafting a range of sculptural figures and original maquettes with one distinctive flat edge, representative of the walls or barriers of an enclosure. Select pieces from the Caged Lion series formed part of John W. Mills’ ‘Lions’ exhibition at the Pyramid Gallery, York in 2016. With a patinated finish, this original maquette is mounted on an integrated wooden base, making it perfect for decorative display in an interior. A handwritten pen inscription to the bottom of the base reads 'Lion JWM Bronze 5,750’. John W. Mills (1933-2023) John Mills was a highly acclaimed English sculptor, celebrated across the globe for his contemporary statues, bronze figures and artistic maquettes. Mills showcased a flair for sculpture from a young age, first exhibiting at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1951 and then hosting his first one-man show at the AIA Gallery, London in 1959. Throughout his distinguished career, Mills went on to received several prizes and accolades and many notable commissions. Some of his most famous works include the monumental memorial to The Woman of World War II in Whitehall, London and the National Firefighters Memorial near St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. Following the sculptor’s passing in 2023, the contents of John W. Mill’s creative studio at his family home in Hinxworth Place, Hertfordshire were dispersed. This sculpture formed part of this curated collection, from which we selected several pieces, offering a rare chance to obtain original works made by the artist, including sculptural pieces for garden, interior and exhibition. Price includes Artist’s Resale Rights (ARR) at 4%. Provenance: Hinxworth Place; The Estate of John Mills (1933-2023)
  • Creator:
    John Mills (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.23 in (28.5 cm)Width: 18.71 in (47.5 cm)Depth: 11.82 in (30 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1980
  • Condition:
    Good, original condition. Patinated finish. Fitted to a wooden base.
  • Seller Location:
    Wormelow, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 367011stDibs: LU2096345423572

More From This Seller

View All
John W. Mills (1933-2023) Caged Lion Sculpture
By John Mills
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A fascinating patinated plaster tabletop sculpture of a caged lion by the acclaimed British sculptor, John W. Mills. This is an original maquette from the artist’s Caged Lion series ...
Category

Late 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

John W. Mills (1933-2023) ‘Somersault & Entry #1’ Bronze Diver Sculpture
By John Mills
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An interesting patinated green bronze tabletop sculpture titled ‘Somersault and Entry’ by the acclaimed British sculptor, John W. Mills. Part of the divers in motion series, this br...
Category

Early 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

John W. Mills (1933-2023) Bronze Diver in Motion Sculpture
By John Mills
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A fascinating patinated bronze tabletop sculpture of a diver by the acclaimed British sculptor, John W. Mills. Part of the divers in motion series, this bronze is mounted on a recta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Mid-Century Modern Figurative Scul...

Materials

Bronze

John W. Mills (1933-2023) ‘Museum Lion’ Steel Sculpture
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A stainless steel sculpture titled ‘Museum Lion’ by acclaimed British sculptor, John W. Mills This three-dimensional sculpture will make a fantastic display piece in an interior, id...
Category

Late 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel

John W. Mills (1933-2023) Large Dog Sculpture on Limestone Base
By John Mills
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large patinated resin sculpture of a dog mounted on a limestone base by the acclaimed British sculptor, John W. Mills. Although an original maquette made by the artist to as a mod...
Category

Late 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Limestone

John W. Mills (1933-2023) Unique Bronze Diver Sculpture
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A fascinating unique patinated bronze tabletop sculpture of a diver by the acclaimed British sculptor, John W. Mills. Signed to the base by the artist and marked ‘1/1’. Part of the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Mid-Century Modern Figurative Scul...

Materials

Brass, Bronze

You May Also Like

Carl Milles Bronze Sculpture of Fishes
By Carl Milles
Located in Malmö, SE
Carl Milles (1875-1955), after, bronze sculpture of three fishes. Marked Millesgården. Great condition. Born in Uppsala, Sweden, Carl Milles, whose origina...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Carl Milles Horse's Head Bronze Sculpture
By Carl Milles
Located in Malmö, SE
Carl Milles (1875-1955), after, bronze sculpture of a horse's head. Marked Millesgården. Great condition. Born in Uppsala, Sweden, Carl Milles, whose origi...
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Lion Skull Sculpture
Located in Madrid, ES
A bronze sculpture depicting a lion's skull, mounted on a wooden base. This striking and realistic artwork reflects expert craftsmanship and attention to anatomical detail. Features...
Category

Mid-20th Century Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Antique French late 19th century bronze study of a prowling lion circa 1900
Located in Central England, GB
This superbly detailed fine bronze study depicts a male prowling lion. His body ripples with his muscular physique as he moves forward on large clawed paws. His head is framed with a...
Category

Antique 1890s French Louis Philippe Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Large Lion Figure Bronze Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a very well made large lion figure bronze sculpture laying down in a rectangular base. The carving details of the thick mane, paws, tail, nose, and...
Category

20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Revival Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Large Lion Figure Bronze Sculpture
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Brown Lion Ceramic Sculpture Centerpiece, Completely Handmade Without Mold. 2023
By Mosche Bianche
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Lion in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a brown color. Our designer creates these pieces complet...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Recently Viewed

View All