John Thomson

Light Metal: An exhibition featuring preliminary maquettes and drawings for large scale public commissions by the sculptor John Thomson who is known for his richly textured and crafted steel sculptures, whose imagery is influenced by a combination of collaboration with natural scientists and his personal observations of the topography of the South Downs where he lives and works. Image: Detail from - 'The Healing Tree' -  2001. Clinical Research Facility, Southampton General Hospital - stainless steel. Funded by the Wellcome Trust.

John Thomson lives and works in rural Hampshire and is known for his richly textured and crafted steel sculpture and related drawings.

He has exhibited sculpture internationally for over thirty years, in countries as diverse as Russia, Iceland and New Zealand. He has explored museum and plant collections - working alongside scientists, botanists, farmers, musicians and filmmakers to produce accessible and compelling artworks and events in a range of media.

John has also completed large-scale public sculpture commissions across the UK for a range of clients including the NHS, Philips, Bellway Homes, Sustrans, Hampshire County council and for architects, private clients and Music Festivals. 

“Steel – scored or etched, combined with wood, ceramic and stone sections – is my basic material. I use a range of tools and processes from laser cutting technology, for large-scale commissions, to hammers or dental tools for the more intimate gallery objects.” John Thomson

“Nostalgia and precision, seriousness and wit, watercolour and metal – John Thomson’s drawings and sculpture contain observations in a manner which excite contrasting emotions whilst instantly engaging the viewer” Jacqueline Thalmann: Curator, Christ Church Picture Gallery, Oxford University.

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