Jacob Epstein

Starting with a work from the early 20^th century, looking at Jacob Epstein’s Memorial to W.H. Hudson in Hyde Park, 1925, which was a stone structure constructed for public viewing. W H Hudson was a novelist and naturalist best known for his exotic romance tales and when he dies in 1922 Jacob Epstein built a memorial (completion 1925) to honour Hudson’s memory. The memorial depicted one of Hudson’s characters, Rima, which was a half bird half human creature, so it seems fitting that the memorial stands in a bird sanctuary.

From an interview with Jacob Epstein that was recorded by the BBC on 2^nd February 1958 he describes how he feels about his sculptures and sculpture in general as well as how the art works should interact with the audience. Sculpture involves the relation of the masses as without the support of the public an exhibition would go unnoticed and the artists’ hard work would be unaccredited. Although the thought and motivation behind a work of art should be the upmost importance so the work doesn’t become an exercise. It’s ironic that Epstein would say that “Mechanical forms shouldn’t be recreated in sculpture” as he created the ‘rock-drill man’ sculpture which was radical for its time but also a massive difference to his usual works of portraits which involved soft curves and expressive figures. He had academic training but broke away from the confines to express himself through his sculpture although never created truly abstract forms referring back to organic materials in his works which suggests that was something he may have been taught, as we often refer back to what we have been taught as it’s what we are usually comfortable in. Although as a supporter of modernism he aimed to break with classical and traditional forms.

Ever since Jacob Epstein transformed the possibilities for sculptors in Britain before the First World War a remarkable momentum has been maintained, as sculptors have become a league of their own with a confidence that allows them to experiment with new materials and techniques and break away from tradition. Having in previous centuries occupied a position subservient to painters, modern British sculptors shook off their inferior status. Therefore men and women alike have proved that outstanding British sculptors can gain high international reputation. Along with Jacob Epstein, Henry Moore has also influenced younger artists as Moore works a traceable line of descent for younger artists with a meticulous tradition of object construction in Britain concerned with its standing, it’s worth and value.