Biography
Reginald Cotterell Butler was an influential English sculptor born on April 28, 1913, in Buntingford, Hertfordshire. He initially pursued a career in architecture, studying and lecturing at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. However, his career path shifted towards sculpture, particularly after World War II, during which he was a conscientious objector and ran a blacksmith business. Butler gained significant recognition after winning the 'Unknown Political Prisoner' competition in 1953, which propelled him to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. Butler's work is characterized by its exploration of the human form, often focusing on lifelike models of female figures. His sculptures share a thematic connection with artists like Hans Bellmer and Allen Jones, and they prefigure the hyper-realistic works of Ron Mueck. Notable pieces include 'Girl on a Round Base,' which exemplifies his interest in the human figure. His works are part of prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Tate Gallery in London. Butler's contribution to modern sculpture is well-regarded, and he was featured in the 1964 documentary film "5 British Sculptors (Work and Talk)" by Warren Forma. He passed away on October 23, 1981, in Berkhamsted.
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Reginald Cotterell Butler was an influential English sculptor born on April 28, 1913, in Buntingford, Hertfordshire. He initially pursued a career in architecture, studying and lecturing at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. However, his career path shifted towards sculpture, particularly after World War II, during which he was a conscientious objector and ran a blacksmith business. Butler gained significant recognition after winning the 'Unknown Political Prisoner' competition in 1953, which propelled him to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. Butler's work is characterized by its exploration of the human form, often focusing on lifelike models of female figures. His sculptures share a thematic connection with artists like Hans Bellmer and Allen Jones, and they prefigure the hyper-realistic works of Ron Mueck. Notable pieces include 'Girl on a Round Base,' which exemplifies his interest in the human figure. His works are part of prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Tate Gallery in London. Butler's contribution to modern sculpture is well-regarded, and he was featured in the 1964 documentary film "5 British Sculptors (Work and Talk)" by Warren Forma. He passed away on October 23, 1981, in Berkhamsted.
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