History, Monuments and Our Present Moment with Kenny Hunter

Today on the show, Lucy Branch speaks to sculptor Tom Murphy whose public sculptures celebrate the rich and wonderful history of Liverpool's people. We discuss his artistic journey and service to those who commission his works. Join us and Be Inspired By SculptureYou can see photos of Tom's work and read the transcript at www.sculpturesulture.co.ukContact Lucy Branch - [email protected] podcast is created by ⁠AntiqueBronze⁠

In this end of season episode, host Lucy Branch, interviews British artist Neale Andrew. Neale shares his journey into sculpture, his epiphany moment and his approach to defining himself as a sculptor. Lucy also discusses current conservation projects and the recent news in the sculpture world, including the repatriation of the largest ever collection of Benin bronzes. Renowned sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro, is remembered. 00:00 Introduction to Sculpture Vulture00:35 Challenges in Conservation Work01:37 Upcoming Projects and Public Interactions02:45 Significant Sculpture News04:19 Tribute to Arnaldo Pomodoro06:52 Interview with British Artist Neale Andrews25:45 The Compromised Sculpture Idea26:38 First Public Piece and Artistic Integrity28:22 Sculpture of Richard Hadley and Jeff Boycott30:16 DH Lawrence Relief Sculpture31:57 Abstract Elements in Figurative Sculpture35:11 Influences and Inspirations38:43 Public vs. Private Sculpture Work44:13 Wrapping Up the SeasonPlease support the show by buying either: ⁠Bronze Behaving Badly: Principles ofBronze Conservation⁠or⁠Wax On Wax Off: How To Care For BronzeSculpture⁠or by buying me a coffee - Buy Me A Coffee.Com buymeacoffee.com/lucybranchLucy Branch is also a fiction author, her fiction always features sculpture.  This podcast is created by ⁠Antique Bronze⁠

Ceri Thomas—artist, curator, and son of renowned Welsh sculptor Robert Thomas—joins Lucy Branch to reflect on growing up in a house full of creativity, clay, and community spirit. We talk about his father’s mission to celebrate Welsh life through public sculpture, plans for a centenary retrospective, and the importance of representing working-class figures and women in bronze. Ceri also shares insights from his own creative path and his work on his interest in projects like Monumental Welsh Women and the upcoming Rhodri Morgan statue.🎨 See Ceri’s paintings: www.cerithomasart.comSee the blogpost with images: www.sculpturevulture.co.ukOther episodes on Sculpture Vulture about Robert Thomas' Sculpture - Public Sculpture: Coalville To Indianapolis Please support the show by buying Bronze Behaving Badly or ⁠Wax On Wax Off ⁠ by Lucy Branch - at Amazon UK and can be ordered wherever books are soldThis podcast is created by ⁠⁠Antique Bronze⁠-⁠ Conservation and Restoration of Sculpture and Architectural Features.

Today on the show, Lucy Branch interviews Dr. Neil Armstrong, who has created one of Cornwall's most distinctive sculpture parks. What began as a simple need for "proper playtime" evolved into Treemenheere: a sculpture park built upon a philosophy.This is the story of a man who turned his back on funding bodies and committees to create something purely according to his own vision. As Neil puts it, everything arrives "on the good ship serendipity," and that openness to possibility has created one of Britain's most thoughtful contemporary art spaces.Find out more: TreemenheereKey Discussion PointsFrom GP to Garden Creator - How a mid-career need for adventure led to creating TreemenheereThe Holy Trinity Philosophy - Balancing landscape, sculpture and planting in perfect harmonyLearning What Not to Do - His three-month European sculpture park research sabbaticalThe Committee of One - Why he avoids funding bodies and committees to preserve his visionSculptures Must Earn Their Keep - How artworks function within the landscape, not just decorate itThe Good Ship Serendipity - His unique approach to discovering and selecting artistsThe Serious Amateur Tradition - Pursuing excellence for love rather than moneyFrom Personal Passion to Public Good - How a private project became a cultural institutionPlease support the show by buying Wax On Wax Off by Lucy Branch - at Amazon UK and can be ordered wherever books are sold⁠This podcast is created by ⁠Antique Bronze⁠

In this episode, Lucy Branch speaks to sculptor and Royal Academician, Nigel Hall, who discusses his lifelong passion for sculpture. Nigel shares insights into his academic journey and experiences in America that solidified his commitment to sculpture. He delves into his prolific creative process and how he has sustained a successful artistic career over the course of several decades. Follow Nigel’s journey and discover more about his work on his website and Instagram. ⁠Please support the show by buying ⁠Bronze Behaving Badly: Principles of Bronze Conservation⁠or⁠Wax On Wax Off: How To Care For BronzeSculpture⁠ This podcast is created by ⁠Antique Bronze⁠ - conservators of sculpture and architectural features.  

Today's episode is an informal yet informative glimpse into host, Lucy Branch's, world behind the bronze as Lucy shares her excitement about completing her latest novel, a 17th-century historical romance. Lucy discusses the spontaneity of creative projects and answers listener questions about her work, podcast, and life. There is also bonus material at the end of the episode if listeners would like to hear the first chapter of her previous book, 'Restoration Murder.'00:00 Introduction to Sculpture Vulture00:37 Celebrating a New Novel03:38 Q&A Session Begins04:24 Eric Gill Sculpture Controversy07:01 Smart Water for Sculpture Protection09:39 Journey into Novel Writing15:01 Public Sculpture Behaviour20:03 Influential Books and Time ManagementYounger Next Year - Chris Crowley and Harry LodgeEssentialism by Greg McKeownThe Big Leap - Gay Hendricks24:21 Podcasting Journey and Future Plans29:01 Sample Reading from 'Restoration Murder'

In this episode, host ⁠Lucy Branch⁠, introduces ⁠Steven C. Barber⁠, an American filmmaker and producer turned fundraiser for monuments in the US. Barber has raised millions of dollars particularly championing the creation of monuments to astronauts. He shares anecdotes about his journey from documentary filmmaking to monument creator, his unique perspective on memorializing achievements, and his strategies for securing substantial donations from high-profile figures and organizations. Barber's stories emphasize the importance of vision, persistence, and the ability to connect disparate worlds in order to achieve monumental goals.Key Discussion Points00:50 Vandalism and Restoration StoriesLinks Mentioned in this section ⁠Robin Hood and Maid Marrion ⁠⁠Radio Stoke and Leek War Memorial ⁠05:50 Steve Barber's Journey into Filmmaking10:17 Challenges and Successes in Monument Creation21:28 Emotional Studio Visit21:56 Meeting the Sculptors22:25 Building Apollo 11 Monument24:15 Fundraising for Monuments26:18 Challenges in Monument Creation28:12 The Art of Cold Calling 33:38 The President's Monument35:25 Reflections on Fundraising42:02 Lucy's Roundup and Future Plans⁠Connect with Steve C. Barber⁠Lundeen Sculptors⁠⁠Please support the show by joining me on Substack - it's free! ⁠or you can buy one of my non-fiction books if you'd like help or advice with caring for bronze⁠⁠Bronze Behaving Badly: Principles of Bronze Conservation⁠⁠or⁠⁠Wax On Wax Off: How To Care For Bronze Sculpture⁠⁠ This podcast is created by ⁠⁠Antique Bronze⁠⁠

Scottish sculptor Kenny Hunter joins Lucy Branch to discuss the power of public monuments in our fast-paced world. From his first transformative touch of clay to his acclaimed public works, Kenny reveals why he sees sculptures as "phantoms looking down on the city" and shares insights on the theatrical quality of public art, where static figures silently observe as life unfolds around them.This thoughtful conversation explores sculpture as the ultimate "slow art" – work that rewards patient creation and contemplation in an age of instant consumption, inviting listeners to reconsider the quiet monuments we often pass by without notice.Please support the show by buying one of my books. This episode featured, Restoration Murder Join us and BE INSPIRED BY SCULPTURE.  You canfind images to accompany the episode and a transcription of the interview at  Sculpture Vulture Blog This podcast was brought to you by Antique Bronze specialists in sculpture conservation

Today on the show, Lucy Branch interviews Dr. Susan Owens, author, independent scholar and former curator of paintings at the V&A about her recent article in Country Life magazine titled "Time Stands Still" which takes readers on a tour of Britain through 50 monuments. They discuss the significance of some of the UK's public monuments, their cultural impact, and highlight several remarkable examples.Key Discussion PointsDr. Owens' background at the V&A Museum and her transition from 2D to 3D artworksThe challenge of selecting just 50 monuments from Britain's rich landscape of commemorative worksHow monuments function as "the collective memory of our country"The cultural significance of controversial monuments like the Edward Colston statue and Mark Quinn's guerrilla installation of Jen ReidThe lack of proper curation for public monuments and spacesThe ongoing debate about memorializing tragedies like GrenfellMonuments HighlightedPenelope Boothby memorial (1791) - A moving marble sculpture by Thomas Banks of a five-year-old girl in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, commissioned by her grieving fatherBoudicca monument at Westminster Bridge - Thomas Thornicroft's bronze masterpiece depicting the Celtic queen in triumph, drawing parallels to Queen VictoriaSir Walter Scott Monument in Edinburgh - A Gothic structure housing not just Scott's statue but figures from his novels, illustrating his influence on historical fictionRoyal Artillery Memorial at Hyde Park - Charles Sargeant Jagger's WWI memorial featuring realistic depictions of soldiers and their equipment, including the controversial fallen soldier figureAbout Dr Susan OwensAuthor of "Imagining England's Past: Inspiration, Imagination, Obsession" (Thames Hudson, 2023)Recently published "The Story of Drawing: An Alternative History of Art" (Yale University Press, October 2024)Instagram: @Susan_x_OwensInsightsThe emotional power of monuments to move us across centuriesBritain's tradition of commemorating beloved animals alongside historical figuresHow monuments can become meeting places with personal significanceThe human cost of creating monuments, such as the silicosis that killed many workers on the Scott MonumentPlease support the show by buying one of my non-fiction books, Bronze Behaving Badly: Principles of Bronze ConservationorWax On Wax Off: How To Care For Bronze Sculpture This podcast is created by Antique Bronze 

In today's episode, ⁠Lucy Branch⁠, speaks with sculptor ⁠John Belardo ⁠about the remarkable Piccirilli brothers, six Italian immigrant sculptors who revolutionized American monumental sculpture in the early 20th century. John shares his 25-year journey researching these master craftsmen who created some of America's most iconic monuments while remaining largely unknown to the public.About Our GuestJohn Belardo is a New York-based sculptor and educator who teaches at the New York Academy of Art, Art Students League of New York, and Lehman College. With a studio practice in the Hudson Valley, John specializes in narrative sculpture featuring multiple figures that tell stories.Website: ⁠⁠johnbelardo.com⁠⁠ Episode Highlights: You can find images to accompany the episode and a transcription of the interview at  ⁠SculptureVulture Blog ⁠Please support the show by purchasing, ⁠Bronze Behaving Badly⁠, about the foundations of preserving sculptureand architectural features. Or, one of several novels about sculpture such as, ⁠A Rarer Gift Than Gold⁠, by Lucy Branch. This episode was brought to you by ⁠Antique Bronze,⁠ specialising in the conservation and restoration of public sculpture and architectural features