The mediums of sculptures

Sculptures are considered highly-collectible, in part due to their durability. Bronze, stone and wood are some of the most commonly used mediums and can in some instances be expensive to produce.

_{Lot 12: Lynn Chadwick RA, British, 1914 - 2003-Bird VIII, 1959}

_{Lot 13: Lynn Chadwick RA, British, 1914-2003 - Maquette VII Walking Couple, 1976}

Both lots 12 and 13, by the renowned sculptor Lynn Chadwick, are made from bronze. The casting of bronze would dominate Chadwick’s artistic output. He would begin by welding iron together to create armatures (the framework from which the model would be built), before applying a composite of plaster and iron filings to build a highly textured surface from which the cast will be taken.

_{Lot 64: Joseph Csaky, Hungarian 1888-1971 - Figure; sandstone}

Stone is perhaps the most ubiquitous sculpture medium, known for its durability and relative ease to carve. The sandstone sculpture by Joseph Csaky in our Modern British & 20^th Century art auction is an exemplary model of the smooth and curving forms you can create from stone. It was to be a medium that suited Csaky at an important transitional point in his artistic career.

Examining the condition of a sculpture

As mentioned previously, the durability of sculptures enhances their desirability amongst collectors. Despite this, it is still important to be conscious of the condition of the work. 

Conserving the artwork can retain its value, so it is important to know what to look for when examining the sculpture prior to purchase.

In most instances, minor accumulations of dust and dirt in the crevasses and grooves of the sculptures is something of note, but can easily be removed. If an artwork is fixed to a base, it’s important to check that it is secure and not causing any wear or abrasions if there is some movement.

The majority of bronzes will have a layer of patina added to the work after the cast. Artists can choose to use different chemicals to patinate their bronze sculptures in a wide variety of colours. Guy Taplin, for example, often patinates his work in unusual colours, as can be seen in his Quail Family (Lot 376). Patination is not purely aesthetic, through the process on the surface, the bronze protects itself from future corrosion.

_{Lot 247: Otto Hitzberger, German 1904-2002 - Sculpture piece, 1966}

Bronze can also develop a patina over time due to oxidation. This can be seen as a blue/green colour known as Verdigris, visible in lot 247, by Otto Hitzberger. This is not a detracting feature from a work and shows the natural ageing processes.

Foundry marks and edition numbers

Authentic bronzes are considered to be those made in the lifetime and with the agreement of the artist or the artist’s heirs. They are sculptures made from the original moulds or maquettes and cast by the licensed foundries. If the artist chooses to make an edition of 8, each work will be numbered 1/8, 2/8, 3/8 and so on. Additionally, Artist’s proofs or Artist’s copy are made beforehand and used to compare to each edition to maintain consistency, as seen in lot 399 by David Wynne OBE which is marked with ‘A/C’.

_{Lot 7: Käthe Kollwitz, German 1867-1945 - Mutter mit Kind uber der Schulter (Die Darbietung), c.1915}

Lot 7, by Käthe Kollwitz, is signed, numbered ‘3/10’ and stamped with the foundry mark 'H. NOACK BERLIN’. Knowing the licenced foundry and comparing the stamp to other known examples ensures the buyer is investing in an original and authentic example by the sculptor.

Renowned exhibitions and collections of sculpture

In 1952, the 26^th Venice biennale saw eight sculptors brought together to represent a regeneration of British art after the Second World War. These were Robert Adams (1917-84), Kenneth Armitage (1916-2002), Reg Butler (1913-81), Lynn Chadwick (1914-2003), Geoffrey Clarke (1924-2014), Bernard Meadows (1915-2005), Eduardo Paolozzi (1924-2005) and William Turnbull (1922-2012). With Henry Moore (1898-1986) as mentor, the group was presented as a younger generation of sculptors who worked with forged and welded iron to produce unique linear forms. The exhibition ultimately launched the careers of Lynn Chadwick and Geoffrey Clarke, both artists offered on the 8^th December (Lots 12, 13 and 249)

A large collection of the sculptors on offer in Roseberys’ Modern British & 20^th Century art sale are by artists who are represented and exhibited at some of the most important collections across UK and the world, including the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the Tate, the MOMA, New York and Centre Pompidou, Paris.

This auction will take place on Thursday 8 December 2022

BROWSE CATALOGUE 

Viewing Times at Roseberys:

Sunday 4 December: 10 am - 2 pm

Monday 5 December: 9.30 am - 5 pm

Tuesday 6 December: 9.30 am - 5 pm

Wednesday 7 December: 9.30 am - 5 pm

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for condition reports and further information.