Art gallery commemorates centenary of sculptor’s birth

Wright, who died in 1997, spent most of his life working from York, with his sculpture gaining him recognition around the world.

Austin Wright: Sculpture and Drawing, at York Art Gallery, will bring together works from the 1940s to the 1980s which document his fascination with the world around him.

Laura Turner, curator of art, said: “Wright spent most of his life living and working in York and he had a huge influence on the artistic scene in the city.

“We are delighted to be able to mark his centenary year with a display showing some of his most interesting and intimate drawings and small sculptures – many of which have not been seen by the public before.

“We have worked closely with Wright’s widow, Sue, who still lives in York and her input has been fascinating.”

Born in Chester, Wright grew up in Cardiff and trained to be a teacher. In 1939 he produced his first surviving wood-carvings. He moved to Upper Poppleton, near York, in 1946 where he remained for the rest of his life.

In York, he initially taught at Bootham then at York Art School, based at York Art Gallery, where he widened his range of media to include stone, clay and lead.