Introduction
The main objective in my design work, as in my conservation work, is to honour a building, or place, by enhancing its existing qualities, and adding to its cultural significance. My work is traditional and figurative; it searches for and pays respect to the appropriate canon,
and style. I enjoy the nature of materials, and understand their characteristics and limitations. I prefer to work British stones, and to model lime-based plaster work. Preparation involves observation and research, then making scale models in painted polystyrene. I aim to make a competent and durable work of craftsmanship that relates to its architectural propriety. I attempt an economy of line leading to a certain cleanness and simplicity, whilst it is hoped that a buoyancy of form counteracts any tendency to sterility. I am conscious that detail, if it is not carefully edited, can easily detract from the potency of the image.
I underwent a Fine Arts training but feel at ease as an ‘operative artist’. I believe that working in close harmony with a particular building or place, and being part of a long tradition does not preclude the opportunity for artistic expression. My priority is for new work to fit quietly in its location. If it also conveys a spiritual message or stirs the emotions, that is a bonus.
Contact details
Image Gallery
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Title: The Millennium Pilgrim
Dimensions: Width 670mm x heigh 1700mm x depth 400mm
Media: 'Ancaster' Limestone
Description: Designed to fit its space outside the pilgrim Chapel in Southwell, Notts, this idea of Everyman serves to inspire contemplation of our inner and spiritual journey through life.
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Title: Noah Builds The Ark
Dimensions: Width 180mm x height 310mm x max depth 110mm
Media: Cast Resign, or plaster.
Description: One of sixteen scenes in the new Genesis Cycle commissioned by York Minster in 1995. The Minister Carvers copied the casts into arch stones on the new Great West Door.
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Title: Saint Francis and The Wolf of Gubbio
Dimensions: Width 330mm x height 790mm x depth 330mm
Media: 'Ancaster' Limestone
Description: Narrative piece designed to fit mediaeval West Gable Niche of Minchinhampton Church, Glos. Pose allows face to be seen from the main entrance below. A milllennium gift, installed in 2000.
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Title: Peter's Seat
Dimensions: Diameter of paring circle: 3300mm x height 1140mm
Media: 'Cotswold Hill' Limestone
Description: Commissioned in 1996 as a memorial to a friend who enjoyed the three views from here, in a private garden beside the Thames at Lechlade. Traditional construction using lime mortar.
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Title: Honeysuckle Tympanum
Dimensions: Width 505mm x height 1020mm x thickness 75mm
Media: 'Hopton Wood' Limestone
Description: Detail of reverse face of headstone in a Norfolk Churchyard, completed in 2000. A combination of texts and images to comfort the living, honour the dead, and inform posterity.