When we contemplate ‘Sculpture’ it can often be predominantly large, public pieces of art commissioned specifically for a location or to commemorate that comes to mind. However, the majority of sculpture produced by contemporary sculptors is in fact owned by collectors and art lovers who enjoy it in their private homes, offices and gardens.
Sculpture is the art of the intelligence. Pablo Picasso
Sculpture as an art form is differentiated from others such as painting or photography by its very clear ability to be enjoyed significantly from multiple angles. Sculpture possesses width, height and depths.
l-r Claire Luxton 'Pinnacle Series No.1', Mark Beattie MRBS 'Verdigris', and Dorothy Brook 'Geisha'
Sculpture occupies real space like we do... you walk around it and relate to it almost as another person or another object. Chuck Close
It is an incredibly physically involved artwork process that provides a most tangible connection and interaction between you, the artwork and the artist.
There are many methods from carving to casting to molding to digitally printed pieces and material can often be truly considered ‘mixed’ including marble, alabaster, stone, wood, terracotta, bronze and plaster.
Sculptures are cast in precious metals meaning that they are literally worth more than their weight in gold and a purchase of a bronze or gold piece can have double investment potential.
Gillie & Marc 'Lollyrabbit Girl' & Lolly Dogman (Blue)'
As with any purchase of artwork that you intend to display at home, you should choose pieces that you love and admire which will then add to your enjoyment of your interiors or outdoor spaces.
Sculpture occupies the same space as your body. Anish Kapoor
Our Top Tips 5 to Purchasing and Owning Sculpture
l-r Carole Peace ' Bird Bath, Gareth Grifiths MRBS 'Poplux' and Paz Perlman 'Inter-Action'
1) Provenance
As sculpture cannot always be signed in a traditional sense, ensure that your sculpture carries the artists mark and that you are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. We advice that stickers on the base of sculptures are not suitable forms of provenance. Artists often hide their signatures so do discuss when purchasing where and how the artist you are buying from signs their pieces.
2) The Importance of Limited Availability
Ensure your work is editioned. The smaller the better and the number from the edition should be on the actual work or clearly stated on the Certificate of Authenticity.
3) Understand the difference between Bronze and Bronze Resin
Solid bronze sculptures are produced by melting bronze at extremely high temperatures before pouring in a mold. Bronze Resin (also known as“cold cast bronze” or bonded bronze’ is made of bronze combined with polyester, epoxy or another resin. Solid Bronze sculptures will naturally be more expensive as a result of the cost of materials and extra workmanship that goes into producing the finished sculpture. Artists will often produce two editions of the same work, one in sold bronze and one as a resin to provide two price points.
4) Consider how you will display sculpture in your home
Sculpture can be placed on virtually any surface from the floor to the wall. You may choose to have a traditional plinth to showcase your sculpture. Plinths can be manufactured in many materials from metal t wood to acrylic (coloured or clear). Lone shelves or placed bwyeen books and photograps, on a desk or mounted on the wall.
5) Don’t forget about your Great Outdoors
Sculpture can add the finishing touch to your garden, courtyard or patio complimenting and enhancing your plants and landscaping. Ensure your purchase is suitable for outdoor display and that it will withstand high and low temeratures. Do also check with your insurer that outdoor artworks will be covered by your policy should the worst happen.
And finally, the gallery team are here to help you select the perfect piece of sculpture for your collection from advising on existing works availability, right up to commissioning a bespoke sculpture. Do get in touch.
l-r Johannes Nielsen 'Precor #2', Myung Nam An'Yellow Golden Eye' and Emmanuel Okoro 'Orchid'
