Anthony Smith
Artist & Zoologist
Anthony has spent countless hours observing animals in their natural habitats. These firsthand encounters, combined with his academic background in animal biology, give his sculptures an exceptional authenticity and depth. Each piece reflects not only anatomical accuracy but also the unique spirit and character of the animal.
What sets Anthony apart is his total involvement in bronze casting. He is one of the rare sculptors who personally completes every stage of the process — from sculpting the original clay, perfecting the wax replica, to refining the metalwork and applying the final patina. Every sculpture is a true original, crafted by the artist himself.
Career
Born in Glasgow in 1984, Anthony Smith spent his early childhood in Qatar and the UAE before returning to the UK at the age of eight. From a young age, he was captivated by two passions: animals and art. His natural talent for drawing and painting evolved into a lifelong pursuit when, at seventeen, he discovered sculpting — a medium that immediately felt like home.
Inspired by the great animaliers of the past, such as François Pompon and Antoine-Louis Barye, Anthony immersed himself in the study of sculpture through books, museum visits, and relentless practice. By eighteen, he was already casting his own bronze works and exhibiting in London’s renowned Mayfair art district.
Driven by a deep love of the natural world, Anthony went on to study Zoology at the University of Cambridge, where he was awarded the S.W. Greig Prize for Natural Sciences. Throughout his academic years, he continued to sculpt, casting and exhibiting his limited-edition bronze wildlife pieces. After graduating, he established his own studio and has since built an international reputation.
A committed naturalist, Anthony is a Fellow of the Linnean Society and remains actively involved in conservation efforts. He regularly donates sculptures to support fundraising initiatives for wildlife protection in Antarctica and South Georgia.
“My creative inspiration stems from direct experiences of the natural world, guided by a lifelong passion for science. Through my sculptures, I aim to celebrate the beauty of nature while encouraging a deeper respect for it — and a shared commitment to its protection.”
– Anthony Smith –
Public Commissions
Anthony has received numerous prestigious commissions and appointments, including life-sized sculptures for the Natural History Museum in London and Cambridge University, as well as the design of a two-pound coin for the United Kingdom. He has also held Artist Residencies in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, spending several months immersed in the remote wildlife habitats of penguins, albatrosses, and seals.
HRH Prince Philip unveiling Anthony’s statue of the Young Darwin for Christ’s College, Cambridge University
On assignment in the Falkland Islands for BBC Wildlife Magazine.
Art through Exploration
Anthony draws inspiration from firsthand encounters with the world, its people, and its wildlife. Travel lies at the heart of his practice: he has journeyed from the Geographic North Pole to below the Antarctic Circle, visiting more than 110 countries along the way. In 2009–10, he circumnavigated the globe aboard the magnificent three-masted tall ship Stad Amsterdam for a documentary retracing Darwin’s Voyage of the Beagle. As a television presenter for the series, he explored many extraordinary places. To this day, Anthony continues to spend several months each year in remote regions, observing and photographing wild animals, and gathering the experiences that fuel his artistic vision.
“Through my sculptures, I seek to capture the profound sense of wonder we feel when immersed in nature — quietly observing a wild animal living freely, untouched by human presence.”
– Anthony Smith –
Sculpting At Sea
Anthony leads unique Sculpting At Sea projects aboard cruises around the world. During each voyage, he gathers inspiration and reference material, creating an original sculpture on board that is later moulded and cast in bronze once he returns to shore. Guests on these journeys enjoy the rare opportunity to witness the birth of a sculpture firsthand and to follow its entire creative evolution online.
Public Speaking
For over a decade, Anthony has shared his passion for art and sculpture through television presenting and as a guest speaker at public and private events. To learn more, visit his Lecturing Website.
‘Anthony is one of the most engaging lecturers we have had the pleasure to spend time with. As well as being a highly talented bronze sculptor, Anthony has the ability to make his lectures fun, insightful and personal as well as imparting a great deal of knowledge. I highly recommend him as both a presenter and a dinner companion!’
– Caroline & Michael Foulger, Seabourn Ovation Guests –