Antony Caro

After Henry Moore, Anthony Caro is probably the most widely known and respected British sculptor working today. The quality of his work is currently being brought into focus by a major Arts Council retrospective exhibition, covering the years from 1969 to 1984, which will be shown at the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester from June 9 – July 28, having received its first showing in London.

As a compliment to this exhibition, the Castlefield Gallery will be bringing to Manchester a selection of the small table sculptures which have been a part of Caro’s work since the late sixties. These are executed in a variety of materials – steel, bronze and a combination of lead and wood – and reflect Caro’s sensitivity to the distinct qualities of each material. The table pieces are not studies or maquettes but sculptures that occupy and involve a more intimate space.

To accompany them, we are exhibiting twelve landscape drawings in ink. Caro’s drawing is very seldom shown – perhaps because he makes no preparatory drawing for his sculptures, preferring to work directly with the material involved. When asked recently whether he still draws, he replied; “Yes but mainly when I go on holidays or something of that sort. I do draw, but I don’t draw for sculpture, I draw for fun.”

Press View: Friday June 8th from 4pm

Preview: Friday June 8th 6.30 – 8.30pm