Residential Commission: Garden Sculpture
Contemporary Metalwork Made To Last
Bert's sculptural practice brings his signature flowing line work into three-dimensional form, where movement, balance and material take centre stage. Working in metal allows his distinctive shapes to exist fully in space, evolving from intimate mantlepiece works to large-scale garden sculptures with a strong sense of presence and character. As a contemporary metal sculptor, Bert creates work that feels both expressive and enduring - combining graphic simplicity with craftsmanship to produce sculptures designed to be lived with, outdoors and over time.
Site-Specific Garden Sculpture
This private residential commission showcases a bespoke garden sculpture recently installed in a breathtaking, tiered coastal garden. Inspired by nature and the ebb and flow by the sea, Bert designed a site-specific sculptural composition featuring winged coastal birds - Curlew, Heron, Lapwing - interwoven with grasses, reeds and flora. Celebrating the quiet beauty of the birds, the sculpture introduces a dynamic play of light, shadow and movement across the garden throughout the day, creating an ever-changing visual experience as the light shifts.
From Concept to Sculpture
Bert's background as both an artist and designer allows him to combine drawing, spatial planning, architectural thinking and precise calculations within his sculptural practice. Each piece begins with hand sketches and three-dimensional visualisation, followed by careful planning of construction, scale and composition. This rigorous yet creative approach ensures that every sculpture is perfectly proportioned for its setting, resulting in a refined and balanced aesthetic that feels purposeful and considered.
This sculpture is fabricated from marine-grade mild steel, allowing for exceptional strength and longevity. Using precision welding, each element is carefully formed and welded to a base plate, enabling the sculpture to stand securely in an upright position. To withstand the Great British climate, the steel is full galvanised, offering long-term protection against the elements. Over time, the surface develops a beautiful soft grey patina, enhancing its contemporary character while maintaining structural integrity - a material choice that is both durable and visually striking.
A Lasting Presence in the Landscape
Standing at over two metres tall, this sculpture is installed on tiered concrete pads, creating captivating viewpoints from multiple angles across the garden. As surrounding grasses and flowers grow, the piece will become increasingly integrated into the landscape, appearing as though it has always belonged there - as if birds have gently landed among the planting.
This sculptural work creates a lasting legacy, transforming the garden and inviting viewers to experience the space in a new way - elevating the landscape and redefining the relationship between art and nature.
