Tracing the Arc of British Sculpture From Modernism to Today

In London, a new exhibition traces the storied history of British sculpture through the Modern and contemporary period, illuminating an approach to form and material unique to artists working in the British creative landscape. “Modern British: Modern & Contemporary British Sculpture” at Bowman Sculpture is comprised of both iconic, blue-chip names as well as rising voices within the realm of British sculpture today, together offering new perspectives and cross-generational dialogues.

Henry Moore, Small Seated Figure (conceived ca. 1936; this example cast 1957). Courtesy of Bowman Sculpture.

On view through May 29, 2026, the show also speaks to the gallery’s ethos, which was founded in 1993 by Michele and Robert Bowman, and is now co-helmed with their daughter Mica Bowman. Originally focused on Modern masters, like Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso, and Henry Moore, today, reflecting a nuanced evolution, Bowman Sculpture has expanded to incorporate cutting edge emerging and established contemporary artists.

Eduardo Paolozzi, Richard Rogers as Newton (1990; numbered 3/6). Courtesy of Bowman Sculpture.

Highlights of the dozen artists featured in “Modern British” include a piece by one of the country’s most acclaimed sculptors Henry Moore. Small Seated Figure was first conceived during one of the artist’s most prodigious periods, and is exemplary of his signature, semi-abstract figurative style.

Elsewhere, the meticulous work of Scottish artist Eduardo Paolozzi, Richard Rogers as Newton, uses the artist’s monumental Newton after William Blake as a reference point. While the latter is situated in the forecourt of the British Library, an icon of the urban landscape, the intimately scaled reinterpretation of the sculpture offers viewers a closer, individual experience with the motif.

Joanna Allen, Consumption Pattern (numbered 4/9). Courtesy of Bowman Sculpture.

Another touchstone in the history and evolution of British sculpture, Lynn Chadwick is represented in the exhibition with the intriguing Maquette Two Sitting Figures. Chadwick’s distinctive execution of figuration, which evokes psychological elements of surrealism and pioneering new approaches to abstraction in the third dimension.

The curated selection of historic pieces is complemented by emerging talents, like Rufus Martin and Joanna Allen. Allen is represented by Bowman Sculpture, and was the subject of her first solo with the gallery in 2025 with “Subconscious Playground.”

Lynn Chadwick, Maquette Two Sitting Figures (conceived 1971; edition of 6). Courtesy of Bowman Sculpture.

Taken collectively, “Modern British” promises visitors—both those familiar with British sculpture and those new to its celebrated history—a cogent glimpse at the ever-evolving work of British sculptors, and points to their significance and influence both within Britain as well as beyond its borders.

“Modern British: Modern & Contemporary British Sculpture” is on view at Bowman Sculpture, London, through May 29, 2026.