A unique sculpture uncovered in Derbyshire is set for public display at a world-renowned arts venue after 20 years in the shadows – thanks to an auction bid at the midnight hour.
Eddie Powell, a 72-year-old businessman and owner of The Sculpture Park in Churt, Surrey, swooped in at the last minute to buy Twistin’ By The Pool by Scottish sculptor Malcolm Robertson – even though he never had chance to view it.
However, thanks to a passion for sculpture, which he studied at art college decades ago, he couldn’t resist buying the shimmering object – after joining the online sale in the nick of time.
Eddie said: “I read about the sculpture, scribbled down the auction date in my diary and then forgot about it. When I went online the auction was only one lot away from the sculpture. I got itchy fingers and made a bid!”
The artwork, which has been in private ownership since 2001, will be transported to The Sculpture Park, the world’s largest all-year-round venue of its type showcasing more than 1,000 20th century, modern and contemporary sculptures. Though a tourist attraction, all artworks are available to buy, and collectors travel from all corners of the globe to view them.
“Twistin’ By The Pool will go on public display,” said Eddie. “I may sell it in the future or keep it at the park. I’m not sure until I see it. I’ve always liked sculpture. I did a degree in sculpture and photography at Farnham Art College in Surrey 45 years ago.”
The 4.4m-high stainless-steel sculpture was contested to a hammer price of £20,000 in Hansons Auctioneers’ 20th Century Design sale. The total paid, with buyer’s premium, was £27,680.
The seller, 62-year-old Derby man Gareth Palmer, MD of Caladen of Long Eaton, suppliers of microduct and pneumatic connectors, bought it on a whim in October 2021.
He said: “The sculpture was made in 1996 for a company based in Rosyth, Scotland. I understand it originally cost £70,000. However, the factory closed and it was sold off in 2001. It was bought by a Scottish blacksmith and he kept it in his yard for many years.
“He decided to sell and it ended up on eBay where I saw it. I realised it was important. My research led me to Malcolm Robertson’s website. He’s a multiple-award-winning sculptor with a broad portfolio of work dotted around the UK and abroad. His work is held in private collections and several sculptures are in Florida in the Unites States.
“I understand this was the first time one of his sculptures had become available to buy at a traditional auction. He’s so highly regarded he is always commissioned.”
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This is a fantastic result for all concerned. We’re delighted the sculpture will be going on public display after 21 years in the shadows. Before it was transferred to Hansons, it was stored at a Derbyshire builder’s yard in Shardlow. It stood tall outside our saleroom, near Derby, for several weeks and won plenty of admiration.”
Karl Martin, senior valuer at Hansons and the man who discovered the sculpture, said: “The fact that it’s heading to The Sculpture Park is a perfect happy ending.”
Robertson graduated in sculpture at Glasgow School of Art in 1974 and was awarded a teaching diploma by Jordanhill College of Education in 1975. After three years spent working as an art teacher in Argyll, he went on to win international recognition for his work as Town Artist at Glenrothes, Scotland, from 1978-1990. He liaised with the planning department to create site-specific sculpture, artworks and murals.
He established a professional practice in 1991 and has an extensive portfolio of sculptures and artworks in the UK, Germany, India and the USA. To find out more, visit https://www.malcolmrobertson.com/
Twisting by the pool by Malcolm Robertson sold in Hansons Auctioneers’ September 27 20th Century Design Auction. To find out more, or to book a free valuation, email Barry Jones: [email protected].
