'Past Present' by Bridget McCrum

One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, is to become the proud home to celebrated sculptor Bridget McCrum’s new exhibition entitled ‘Past Present’, opening 8th September. Unveiled on the Canary Wharf Estate in the year of her 80th birthday, the exhibition covers all major areas of Bridget’s practice, providing a retrospective insight over the illustrious career of the sculptor; from the early carving of a dog made when she was just sixteen to the impressively large bronzes and stone carvings produced this year.

McCrum’s work is distinguished by her preferred subject matter: the juxtaposition of fauna, notably birds, with ancient artefacts such as tools and ceremonial weapons. The sculptor perceives a synergy between nature and these symbols of early industry, drawing parallels between the primitive tools and the curve of a wing, or a texture worked on very old stones.

The sculptures that Bridget conjures from these influences and interests have great integrity, carrying the mark of her own hand; a facet of her methodology which she considers to be very important in conveying her innate feeling for the natural world.

The largest pieces in the exhibition depict birds, their characteristics and habits. McCrum skilfully renders their qualities whether hunting, resting, flying, watching or singing, at times merging their form with that of a ceremonial axe or a knife perhaps once used for harvesting corn.

The sculptor frequently brings drawing into her sculptures, especially in her carved pieces where, using a power hammer, she creates surface textures that appear to throw the form into greater relief or to indicate a soft area of downy feathers. She possesses a painter’s sensibility for the manipulation of bronze patina, which is demonstrated in this exhibition through the range of richly coloured and tonal variation that she achieves across the surface of both small and large pieces.

The arrival of McCrum’s work will continue the proud tradition of hosting ground-breaking sculptural exhibitions at Canary Wharf, as she joins the ranks of Michael Lyons and Eilis O’Connell who have also recently exhibited on the Estate.

Bridget McCrum’s exhibition proves that progression, innovation and an ability to bring new thinking into one’s work is not solely the preserve of the young. Perhaps these sculptures do not shock, but they can disturb, enlighten, delight and intrigue, providing an insightful glance at the world through the experienced eyes of this widely acclaimed sculptor.


EXHIBITION TOUR
Tuesday 28 October, from 6.30 to 7.15 pm
Curator Ann Elliott tours the exhibition with Bridget McCrum
The tour is free, but please contact Canary Wharf Public Art Office to reserve a place [email protected]