Natural stone has been associated with the art of sculpture for centuries – not just as the material for the sculptor to work with, but also to provide the base for sculptures to be set on.
Diespeker supplies granite plinths to London sculptor Michael Speller. Michael, who trained at Chelsea College of Arts and whose studio is found in Bermondsey not far from Diespeker’s workshops, says:
“I have been using Diespeker granite for about sixteen years – not only for my plinths but also as very much a part of the sculpture itself. The quality of the stone and the craftsmanship of the company does help gain a majesty that is important to my work.”
Michael works almost exclusively in bronze having been fascinated with the medium from his very first visit to a foundry; its fluidity and the challenge it presents is reflected and expressed in all his work. His distinctive, elongated figures are often impressed with emotive words and objects to create hugely expressive and textural surfaces. Solitary or grouped, his figures represent how we live in the world, combining the influences of family, friends, environment and society.
“My work with the human form attempts to find a rhythm and balance in our lives, reflecting and realising our imperfections and then counterbalancing them with positivity and support in order to achieve a visual and spiritual equilibrium within ourselves and the world around us”
Michael has completed many private and public commissions. Working successfully with private collectors and with corporate organisations on larger scale public commissions, he has created a portfolio of personal and relevant work within the UK and globally. His recent commissions include Encompass, unveiled by HRH Prince Andrew in Greenwich in 2016 and Momentum III, which sits outside Millbank Tower next to Tate Britain.
This year, at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Michael will be exhibiting a number of his new sculptures, which were created for his latest solo show in Dover Street, Mayfair. The award -winning Chelsea garden designer, Kate Gould has commissioned a piece to feature in her 2017 Chelsea show garden – ‘City Living.’ Diespeker is also working with Kate on a ground-breaking use of terrazzo for this show garden.
A complete catalogue of Michael’s work can be seen on his new website www.spellersculptures.com
