Two Sitting Figures, 1979-80, Lynn Chadwick (British, 1914-2003)

bronze 66” x 33” x 56”

Lynn Chadwick was born in London in 1914 and was educated at Merchant Taylor’s School of Arch-itecture. After serving as a pilot in World War II, he continued his architectural work until 1946. Chadwick then started his own firm designing textiles, furniture and architecture. This company was successful and allowed him the free-dom to experiment with sculpture.

In 1956, Chadwick was awarded the First Prize at the pres-tigious Venice Biannual, beating the great Italian sculptor Alberto Giacometti. Chadwick became friends with Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, two artists also featured in the Sculpture Garden. He began his career by designing mobiles based on insect and bird forms. Eventually, his work progressed from light and airy to massive and heavy. His sculptures became monumental, abstracted, human forms that sat or reclined on the ground. The figures were usually created in pairs and represented powerful, regal couples

Two Sitting Figures exemplify his style. The couple is massive in form with abstracted geometric heads and bodies. The limbs are delicate, however, contrasting with the large bodies. It would be a wonder if these figures would be able to stand up with such monumental bodies and thin legs, yet their massive forms lend the couple a regal air.