Elisabeth Frink: Atlas

In Greek mythology, Atlas is a figure responsible for holding the heavens aloft. This sculpture combines several themes that Frink returned to throughout her career: strength and endurance alongside burden and vulnerability.

In the exhibition Natural Connection, are further examples of the artist’s interest in myths, including other Greek legends and representations of The Green Man.

Frink was a leading figure in British sculpture during the second half of the 20th century. Her childhood was spent in the Suffolk countryside where she developed a strong connection with animals and the wider natural world. Frink lived through the Second World War, and her father was a soldier. These experiences shaped her perspective of the world, and the impact can be seen in the artwork she made.

An exhibition of Frink’s sculpture, prints and plaster models – Natural Connection – is on display at The Weston until 23 February 2025.

Courtesy of a private collection.