In 1932 Gill produced the Prospero and Ariel sculptures which still furnish the exterior of BBC broadcasting house. The BBC chose Shakespeare's The Tempest as a theme in order to make a cultural statement. Prospero was an 'airy' spirit who represented the airwaves of broadcasting. However Gill adapted the sculpture to his own beliefs about culture. And so Prospero and Ariel become God the Father and God the Son. When I arrive at broadcasting house in the flesh all I can see is Eric Gill's big joke on the BBC.
I assume that Gill's sculptures are details hardly noticed as commuters, businessmen and shoppers pass them by. However they are beautiful. I particularly like the detail of the wave that rides the building round as a trimming. I have seen so many photographs of these recently that I don't know what it means to have a set of my own, whether it will mean anything? Nevertheless I get in to the road and flutter about the steps of Langham church making a fool of myself with my camera.
‘Had not Prospero power over the immortal gods? At any rate it seemed to be only right and proper that I should see the matter in as bright a light as possible and so I took it upon me to portray God the father and God the son. For even if that were not Shakespeare’s meaning it ought to be the BBC’s’ Eric Gill
For Eric Gill the light of religion illuminates all creation.
Only one photo for you as the angles were awkward, although I did get some beautiful postcards so perhaps I will share those as a treat eventually. Red lettering and Gold details add subtle decoration, to a stark but beautifully conceived sculpture.
The final joy of the day was arriving at the V&A believing I had, had my warm cosy fill of Gill, only to be confronted by a preparatory carving for Prospero and Ariel in an alcove. I had unwittingly stumbled upon a new landmark in my pilgrimage.
Gill's sculpture Mankind is a female cipher for the power of his sculpting. She is a luxurious decapitated monument to sexuality and the sensuality of stone. Gill admired tradition with such fervour but he commands a space in the centre of it all. I spent a long, long time absorbing buttocks, indents, curves and Gill's own deep admiration of the female form. Here she is for your enjoyment.
Thank you for your lovely comments... I will need some time to explore your blog!
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful day, week and New Year!!
hello franzesca , nice work
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed reading your latest article. I need to stop back for a more thorough reading... and thanks for stopping by with a comment on my blog. Nice to hear from folks "across the pond."
ReplyDeletehello.,
ReplyDeleteSearching the sensuality in stones!
Thanks for your good article.
See our sculpture from kerala Sri kanai kunjuramans works :
http://www.google.co.in/images?hl=en&safe=off&biw=1366&bih=609&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&gs_rfai=&q=sagarakanyaka
and photos from my land : :)
ReplyDeletehttp://mazhamaathram.blogspot.com/
Frangipan this post really moved me. I too search out Eric Gill. Did you know there are some Gill sculptures on the side of 55 Broadway (London Transport HQ) near to Westminster Cathedral. Epstein and Moore are also up there by the way. But it was when I saw the one photo of you took of his Stations of the Cross in Westminster Cathedral...I always sit by that Station at Mass as the Cathedral is my "local" church and when I am in London I always go back to Mass there. We may have been there at the same time! I am really appreciative of your Jude-like knowledge!
ReplyDeleteps I was so taken with your photo of the 2nd Station I forgot to add that Robert Gibbings also struck a chord with me. He was from Cork and his father was a Canon at the Church of Ireland St Fin Barre's Cathedral across the street from me (you likened it to an ice palace in your comments). What a small and wonderful world!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that, although I think I probably should have done. I suspect that there is a lot more Gill in London which I missed out. How lucky you are to have Westminster as your local church and to be able to sit under Gill's Stations of the Cross.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes I have heard of Gibbings, although I haven't seen very much of his work. It is a small world! Does that mean they have some sculpture by Gibbings in Cork?
Hello,
DeleteI need high resolution images of Eric Gill's sculpture Mankind (Front & Back).
It would be great if you please reply on qaisjaunpuri@gmail.com.
Thank you.
Qais Jaunpuri
India
+91 9004781786
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