Antony
Gormley

Anthony Gormley's sculptural works explore the relationship between the human body and surrounding space, while his prints depict simplified, abstracted figures in space. If you’re looking for original Anthony Gormley prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.

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Biography

Sir Antony Gormley is an internationally renowned British sculptor, born on August 30, 1950, in London. His innovative and thought-provoking artwork has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning him numerous accolades and placing him at the forefront of contemporary sculpture. Gormley's oeuvre is distinguished by its exploration of the human body and its relationship to space, often using his own body as a template. His sculptures stand as poignant meditations on the nature of human existence and our place in the cosmos.

Raised in a Roman Catholic family, Gormley initially pursued a degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, and Art History at Trinity College, Cambridge. Afterwards, he spent several years travelling and exploring his spirituality, even considering joining the priesthood. In 1974, he returned to art, studying at the Central School of Art and Design, Goldsmiths College, London, and the Slade School of Fine Art, where he was mentored by the abstract sculptor Antony Caro.

Gormley's early work was primarily focused on figurative sculpture, but he soon became interested in the human form and its interaction with the environment. This shift in focus led to the creation of his first “body case” sculptures in the late 1970s, which were cast directly from his body using plaster, fibreglass, and other materials. These works marked the beginning of a career-long exploration of the human body, its physicality, and its spiritual dimensions.

In 1981, Gormley unveiled Bed, a large-scale installation made of bread and plaster casts of his body. This piece, which depicted two sides of the artist lying opposite each other and submerged in a sea of sliced bread, garnered attention and critical acclaim. The work was an early indication of Gormley's interest in the body as a site of vulnerability and transformation, themes that would continue to permeate his art.

Over the years, Gormley developed his practice, experimenting with various materials and techniques, from lead and steel to clay and earth. His works range from intimate, small-scale pieces to monumental, site-specific installations. Among his most famous works is the Angel of the North, a 20-meter-tall steel sculpture overlooking the A1 motorway in Gateshead, England. Completed in 1998, the Angel has become a symbol of hope and regeneration for the region.

Another significant work is Another Place, a series of 100 cast-iron figures that stand on a beach in Crosby, England, gazing out toward the horizon. Installed in 2005, the work reflects Gormley's ongoing fascination with the connection between the body, landscape, and cosmos.

In addition to creating public artworks, Gormley has exhibited extensively in galleries and museums worldwide. In 1994, he won the prestigious Turner Prize, and in 1997, he was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to the arts. In 2014, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sir Antony Gormley has cemented his position as one of the world's foremost sculptors, pushing the boundaries of Contemporary Art while inviting viewers to contemplate their place within the universe. His work will no doubt continue to inspire and challenge for generations to come.

A life-sized standing sculpture of a figure flanked by an 8.5-metre wingspan. The figure has no defining features other than the human form and stands on the ground with its knees slightly bent. The sculpture is captured in a photograph within an empty gallery space, emphasising its presence and allowing viewers to appreciate its form and proportions.

Image © Christie's / A Case for an Angel I © Antony Gormley 1989

1. £5.3M for Antony Gormley's A Case for an Angel I


Antony Gormley's A Case For An Angel I (1989) embodies his recurring themes of flight, anatomy, and technology. This monumental sculpture, featuring an impressive 8.5-metre wingspan, is meticulously crafted from a lead sheet plaster cast moulded around the artist's body, showcasing Gormley's innovative approach to sculpture. The life-size figure, anchored by the weight of the material, invites viewers to explore its multifaceted symbolic interpretations, suggesting the potential to transcend earthly limitations and invoking the transformative awakening of the human spirit. A Case For An Angel I stands as Gormley's inaugural angelic sculpture within his extensive oeuvre and holds significance as his auction record, achieving £5.3 million at Christie's in October 2017.

A life-sized sculpture of a human figure, standing upright with slightly bent knees, devoid of any distinct features other than the representation of the human form. The figure is grounded and balanced by a wingspan measuring 54 metres, adding a sense of stability and presence to the sculpture. The artwork is photographed in an empty gallery space, highlighting its monumental scale and minimalist aesthetic.

Image © Christie's / Angel of the North (Life-Size Maquette) © Antony Gormley 1996

2. £3.4M for Antony Gormley's Angel of the North (Life-Size Maquette)

Antony Gormley's Angel Of The North (Life-size Maquette) (1996) is a colossal sculpture, standing 20 metres tall and featuring a wingspan of 54 metres, meticulously crafted from 200 tonnes of steel. This iconic artwork serves as both a human-scaled study and a symbol representing the North of England. While rooted in Gormley's Catholic background, the angel motif transcends its ecclesiastical origins through the use of industrial materials, signifying the intricate relationship between humanity and machinery. It draws inspiration from Renaissance inquiries that sought to comprehend the human body through mathematical and geometric interpretations while reflecting humanity's connection to technological advancement. Two notable sales of this sculpture achieved £3.4 million at Christie’s in 2011 and £2.3 million at Sotheby’s in 2008, demonstrating an increase in value. Additionally, a smaller bronze version created in 1997 has also performed well in the market, realising £2.8 million at Sotheby's 2018 and over £1 million, also at Sotheby's, in 2014 demonstrating a remarkable 185% increase between these two sales.

Five freestanding sculptures depicting the essence of the human form, void of specific defining characteristics. Each sculpture is crafted using different materials, ranging from sparsely interwoven elements to more densely filled volumes, creating varying degrees of texture and composition. The sculptures are photographed in an empty gallery space, showcasing their unique forms and materiality.

Image © Sotheby's / Building 6-10 © Antony Gormley 2015

3. £1.8M for Antony Gormley's Building 6-10

Comprising five life-size cast iron elements, Building 6-10 (2015) delves into the depths of the human condition through a series of stacked horizontal layers. They serve as symbolic representations of both the construction of the human skeleton and towering architectural structures, intertwining the metaphorical relationship between the human body and grandeur. The individual structures of Building 6-10 carefully integrate materials sourced from Gormley's studio and London, contributing to their overall structural composition. This artwork encapsulates the fundamental essence of architecture while embodying the innate qualities of strength and vulnerability within the human form.

Building 6-10 realised £1.7 million at Sotheby's Hong Kong in September 2018, securing its position among Gormley's highest-selling works.

A life-sized human sculpture created using interlocking steel blocks, depicting a figure with feet positioned apart and arms crossed in front of the chest. The sculpture embodies the essence of the human form, devoid of distinctive features. The use of tessellating steel blocks adds an intriguing texture and structure to the sculpture's composition.

Image © Christie's / Aggregate © Antony Gormley 2004