The style guide: sculpture at home

WOW factor

Create a focal point in the room using a piece of sculpture. This bronze ‘Sleeping Head’ by Igor Mitoraj looks particularly striking positioned directly opposite the rich velvety sofa adorned with gold and burnt umber cushions that complement the turquoise patina. The sculpture is calming and creates a serenity in the space. When buying sculpture it is worth noting the edition number. This particular work is numbered seven out of an edition of eight. The lower the edition number, the rarer the piece and this can sometimes be reflected in the value.

Go on be ‘Shelfish’

We live in a society where family photos adorn any spare mantelpiece or shelf in our homes but why not make space for a sculpture or two? Break up the space with something tactile. Sculptors work in all different types of materials – metal, stone, ceramic, wood... It is worth familiarising yourself with the different materials used and the effect each has on the finished work. Sculpture is made to be touched. Is it the smooth cold surface of carrara marble or the rough surface of bronze that heightens your interest? This is worth considering, before purchasing a sculpture. Britain has produced some of the greatest sculptors of the 20^th century including Henry Moore, Lynn Chadwick and Dame Elizabeth Frink, examples of which are all featured on these shelves.

Scale it up

Scale is important when we are purchasing sculpture as we usually have a space in mind in which to situate it, but it is also important to think how you would like to interact with the work. Do you like the idea of holding a work in your hands and feeling the edges or do you prefer the concept of a large-scale piece that you can walk around? This work by South African sculptor Dylan Lewis has been placed in the corner of the master bedroom. The ‘Awakening Leopard’ can be viewed from all angles, meaning every twist in the leopard’s body can be seen together with every artist’s finger mark that was used to create the piece.

Sculpture, often overlooked, can be a great design feature to add to your home. All the works featured in this style guide are coming up for auction in Dreweatts’ Modern & Contemporary sale on October 12. If you would like more information about the artists or sculptures featured, please contact Francesca Whitham.