Biography
With a career spanning over fifty years, British sculptor Lynn Chadwick is one of the most recognized sculptors of the twentieth century. Frequently inspired by the natural world, Chadwick’s work ranges from small mobiles to monumental steel pieces created for public display. He is represented in major museums around the world, including the Tate Britain; London, Musee Nationale d'Art Moderne; Paris, Galleria Nazionale d-Arte Moderna e Contemporanea; Rome, Mie Prefectural Art Museum; Japan, Museum of Modern Art; New York, and the Smithsonian Institute; Washington, DC.
Chadwick’s rise to international fame began early in his career, when he was invited to participate in the 1951 Festival of Britain exhibition, and subsequently selected twice to represent the United Kingdom at the Venice Biennale, winning the International Sculpture Prize in 1956. This win catapulted Chadwick and the whole of British sculpting into the international spotlight, effectively opening the door for British sculptors for generations to come. More prolific than his contemporaries, Chadwick’s work is among the most heavily collected in the world, and continues to set auction records today, long after his passing. Throughout his career Chadwick drew inspiration from the natural world, and the majority of his work is based on human or animal forms. Chadwick’s work is archetypal and seems to distill the objects he chooses to portray to their very essence.
In 1964 Chadwick was named to the Order of the British Empire for his outstanding contributions to the arts in Great Britain. His work continues to be amongst the most coveted in the art world, and his incredible popularity stand as a testament to the enduring talents of one of Great Britain’s most respected artists.
