Geoffrey Clarke, R.A.

unique

Conference for the Central Council for Care of Churches, Downing College, 1959 (details untraced);
Ipswich, The Wolsey Art Gallery, Geoffrey Clarke, Symbols for Man: Sculpture and Graphic Work 1949-94, 17th December 1994 - 29th January 1995, cat. no.41, illustrated, with tour to The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry;
London, Fine Art Society, Geoffrey Clarke, 9th October - 2nd November 2000, cat. no.25, illustrated.

The Studio, March 1960, illustrated p.83, fig. no.5.

The work, created in sections by the artist, shows a visible join towards the base of the leg form that is slightly loose. The surrounding jacket of which sits on the base has been separated from the work, and would benefit from re-attachment. There is surface dirt to the crevices and signs of residue to the base. There are areas of cracking and slight lifting, with some minor flecks of loss to the resin which covers the tin body structure. There is a possibe repair to the base of the tall 'spire' at the top and to one of teh arms of the cross, and further minor possible retouchings appearing to the work.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

“Possibly influenced by the immediate popularity of the cross and candlesticks which Clarke made for the Chapel of the Cross at Coventry, the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths commissioned a silver cross and candlesticks from Clarke.  In an article about modern British silver, Graham Hughes, secretary of the Goldsmith’s Company described Clarke’s Coventry set as ‘epoch making’.  Writing about the Goldsmiths Cross, he suggested that its organic form symbolises the living church. (The Studio, March 1960, quoted in Peter Black, Geoffrey Clarke, Symbols of Man; Sculpture and Graphic Work 1949-94, Lund Humphries, London, 1994, p.48)”.

We are grateful to Dr. Judith LeGrove for her kind assistance with the cataloguing of the present work.

Dr. LeGrove is currently compiling a catalogue raisonné of Geoffrey Clarke's work, initially focusing on the 1950s, and would be grateful to trace the location of any works from this period. Please write to Judith LeGrove, c/o Sotheby’s Modern & Post-War British Art, 34-35 New Bond Street, London, W1A 2AA.