Hugh Chapman

Hugh Chapman is an incredibly talented emerging British sculptor who works with some of the finest foundries and bronze experts in the UK to produce bold, dynamic sculptures in bronze and steel. We were lucky enough to be introduced to Hugh through one of the leading experts in sculptural and architectural bronze conservation, the Director at Antique Bronze in London.

Hugh’s modus as a sculptor is to craft sculpture that creates a positive psychological and emotional impact. His process and intentions are deeply grounded in his desire to establish a dialogue between man’s practices and nature’s dynamics of rhythms and systems.

Like many artists, Hugh’s creative journey was impacted by challenges and a period of adversity, where his health was greatly compromised. Physiologically he experienced a conceptual evolution in the aftermath that ultimately led him to a heightened level of visual response and expression. Hugh initially found recovery and solace through photography but through that practice was drawn to dreaming, sketching and visualising three-dimensional physical works.

Hugh’s initial experimentation through photography, where he learnt the significance of light, contrast and reflection, enabled his continuation as a self-taught sculptor. He found a place of peace and understanding in the beauty and tangibility of the natural world.

‘My work is, and will always be, a never-ending quest to translate my thoughts and emotions about this world into other worldly forms that align and complement our lives. It has been said by many people that it is pointless to aim to create a work of beauty. I believe, especially at this time, that beauty is more fundamental than ever for human existence.’

Hugh has spent much of the past decade quietly refining his techniques, perfecting the conveyance of the language of beauty, form, line and light. He has been on a journey of exploration within his practice; finding partnerships with foundries and marrying the historical techniques of sculpture and more recently with the assistance of modern digital processes. Hugh continues to strive for a level of significant quality and experience in his work. He identifies his practice and sculpture as a merging of nature and the physiological, put best by the words of British philosopher Roger Scruton,

‘Through the pursuit of beauty we shape the world as a home and, in doing so, we both amplify our joys and find consolation for our sorrows.’

Hugh’s sculpture Growth Form was acquired as a public sculpture in the prestigious Canary Wharf Art Estate, London in 2016. He exhibited in the Time Space and Existence exhibition in Venice as part of the Architectural Biennale 2018 and his works can be found in international private and public collections.

We are proud to represent Hugh Chapman’s work exclusively in the Nordics.