Denis Mitchell
Variations on a theme no.1, 1970
Bronze with a brown, green and polished patina, on a slate base
Edition 1 of 3
Edition 1 of 3
6 1/4 x 4 1/4 x 3 in
16 x 10.5 x 7.5 cm
16 x 10.5 x 7.5 cm
Signed with initials and dated 'DAM/70' (lower right of the bronze), inscribed 'MS' (lower left of the bronze); signed with initials, dated, numbered and inscribed 'D.A.M./1970/1/9/MS' (on the underside)
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Mitchell created several circular shaped bronzes inspired by the landscape of St Ives (beginning with Luxulyan, 1970 to Poldhu, 1980). Porth Naven, also known as Cot Valley Beach, near St...
Mitchell created several circular shaped bronzes inspired by the landscape of St Ives (beginning with Luxulyan, 1970 to Poldhu, 1980). Porth Naven, also known as Cot Valley Beach, near St Just had a very particular landscape of time-eroded granite stones, which used to resemble a giant assemblage of marbles sitting atop a curved landscape of seamed granite. This is believed to have been the inspiration behind Mitchell’s rounded works (rather than a sun or moon motif). Many of the stones on the beach have since been removed.
It was intended that there would be an edition of 9 for each of the five variations. However, Morris Singers Foundry, who cast the work, lost the plasters after only three had been cast. Therefore, whilst works were marked as 1, 2, and 3 of 9 the edition was in fact only 3.
We are grateful to the Denis Mitchell estate for their assistance in cataloguing this work.
It was intended that there would be an edition of 9 for each of the five variations. However, Morris Singers Foundry, who cast the work, lost the plasters after only three had been cast. Therefore, whilst works were marked as 1, 2, and 3 of 9 the edition was in fact only 3.
We are grateful to the Denis Mitchell estate for their assistance in cataloguing this work.
Provenance
Marjorie Parr Gallery, London, where acquired by the previous owner, October 1970Private collection UK
Exhibitions
London, Marjorie Parr Gallery, Denis Mitchell: recent sculpture 1969-71, October 1971, not tracedBath, Festival Gallery, Denis Mitchell: Sculpture 1950-1978, April - May 1978, no. 23, another cast exhibited