Artist & Zoologist
Anthony has spent thousands of hours observing his animal subjects in the wild.
Inspired by these direct observations in the field and informed by his years of studying animal biology, his depth of knowledge and understanding is reflected in his beautifully sculpted artworks that capture the animal’s true character. Anthony is also a rare example of a sculptor who works on every stage of his limited-edition sculptures with his own hands, from the original clay sculpture to the wax replica, the metalwork, and the final colouring of the bronze. Each sculpture is therefore an original creation, handmade by the Artist himself.
Career
Anthony was born in Glasgow in 1984 and grew up in Qatar and the UAE before returning to the UK at the age of eight. As a child, Anthony was obsessed with two things – animals and art. His natural abilities in painting and drawing developed into an all-consuming passion when he discovered a love of sculpting at the age of seventeen. Anthony soon became fascinated with the works of early animaliers such as François Pompon and Antoine-Louis Barye; he learned all that he could from books, visits to museums, and countless hours of sculpting practice. By the age of eighteen he was casting his own bronze sculptures and exhibiting in London’s famous Mayfair art district.
His fascination with Natural History inspired him to study Zoology at the University of Cambridge where he was awarded the S.W. Greig Prize for Natural Sciences. Alongside his academic studies he continued to develop his skills as a sculptor: casting, exhibiting and selling his limited-edition bronze wildlife sculptures. After graduating he set up his own sculpting studio and his reputation has continued to grow ever since.
Anthony continues to be an ardent Naturalist and is an elected Fellow of the Linnean Society. He also regularly supports conservation in Antarctic and South Georgia through the donation of his sculptures for fundraising auctions.
“It is through my direct experiences of the natural world, informed by my love of science, that I am inspired to create artworks that celebrate the natural world. An important goal of my sculptures is to foster a respect and appreciation for nature, and a desire to protect it.”
– Anthony Smith –
Public Commissions
Anthony has been honoured with various high profile commissions and appointments, including life-sized statues for the Natural History Museum of London and Cambridge University, as well as a new two-pound coin for the United Kingdom. He has also been awarded Artist Residencies in both the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, where he has spent several months living alongside 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.
Inspiration through Experience
Anthony gains the inspiration for his work through firsthand experiences of the world, its people and its wildlife. Travel is a crucial part of his work; he has travelled from the Geographic North Pole to below the Antarctic Circle, and more than 110 countries in between. In 2009-10 he sailed around the world aboard the beautiful three-masted tall ship, Stad Amsterdam. This eight-month voyage was undertaken for a television documentary retracing Darwin’s Voyage of the Beagle, and as a television presenter for this series, Anthony visited many remarkable places. He continues to spend several months each year visiting remote places, observing and photographing wild animals, and gathering the experiences and inspiration for creating his artworks.
“Through my sculptures I strive to capture that fantastic feeling we experience when surrounded by nature, quietly observing a wild animal going about its daily life, unfettered by human interference.”
– Anthony Smith –
Sculpting At Sea
Anthony undertakes unique ‘Sculpting At Sea’ projects on board cruises around the world. He will gather inspiration and reference materials during a voyage, and then create an original sculpture on board the ship which is then moulded and cast in bronze once Anthony is back on shore. Guests on the cruise have the special opportunity to witness the creation of a sculpture from its inception, and follow the whole creative process online.
Public Speaking
Anthony has been presenting and lecturing on the subject of art and sculpture for more than a decade, both as a television presenter and as a guest speaker for public and private events. Visit his Lecturing Website to learn more.
‘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 –