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Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: F E McWilliam, Head, 1960

F E McWilliam 1909-1992

Head, 1960
Bronze
20 x 15 x 16 in
51 x 38 x 40 cm
Artist proof from the edition of 3
Initialed McW, and number 0/3
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McWilliams' work was not a stranger to violent or disturbing themes, influenced by experiences such as his time in the air force during the Second World War, and the troubles...
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McWilliams' work was not a stranger to violent or disturbing themes, influenced by experiences such as his time in the air force during the Second World War, and the troubles in Ireland. In this case, the facial orifices of a brutally abstracted figure are suggested but then massively exaggerated to create a haunting gaping maul where eyes, mouth, and nose should be. The work is texturally complex, with McWilliams' use of moulding creating folds and pockets that appear as damaged skin, before being petrified in the bronze casting process. The artist's early interest in Surrealism is also evident here. These gaps appear almost like window panes, but windows into nothingness. McWilliam was particularly interested in how ‘missing’ elements of a sculpture affected the viewer, and used emptiness to his advantage as much as materiality to create evocative sculpture
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Provenance

Private collection, UK

Literature

Roland Penrose, F.E. McWilliam, (London: Alec Tiranti Ltd, 1964) p. 75
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LONDON

T: +44 (0) 7301 024124

E: office@willoughbygerrish.com

Second Floor, 16 Savile Row, London, W1S 3PL

Tuesday - Friday, 11am - 4pm and by appointment

 

YORKSHIRE

T: +44 (0) 7506 581967

E: office@willoughbygerrish.com

Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL

Wednesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm and by appointment

 

 

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