Elisabeth Frink First Man 1964 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Elisabeth Frink: First Man

Art Outdoors /

Elisabeth Frink: First Man

Elisabeth Frink was only nine years old when the WWII broke out, and much of her work was drawn from these earlier experiences. The horrors of the Second World War had a lasting impact on her work and life, and prompted her to become an active supporter of Amnesty International.

She was interested in human and animal forms, often combining both to share her view that mankind was not superior to the natural world. She used the male figure to explore the complexities of humanity, exposing both strength and vulnerability, as with First Man.

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

Courtesy The Frink Estate and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Elisabeth Frink First Man 1964 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

You might also like

  1. Three nude male bronze figures with white painted faces, displayed outdoors.
    Art Outdoors

    Elisabeth Frink: Riace II, III and IV

    The Riace figures are inspired by the 5th century BCE bronze sculptures that were rediscovered in the sea off the coast of the Riace region of Italy in 1972.
  2. Elisabeth Frink Protomartyr 1976 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    Elisabeth Frink: Protomartyr

    Protomartyr represents the first Christian martyr, Saint Stephen, who provided food and aid to poor members of his community in Jerusalem.
  3. Art Outdoors

    William Turnbull: Ancestral Figure

    The shape of Ancestral Figure could be a tablet containing written information, or a tombstone marking a grave. The surface is covered with shapes, lines, ridges and grooves. These might be facial features but they also resemble ancient symbols and languages.
  4. William Turnbull Large Idol 1985 Courtesy the artists estate and YSP at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    William Turnbull: Large Idol

    Large Idol forms part of a series of ‘Idol’ sculptures which William Turnbull made over the course of several years. These minimal works take the human form as a starting point which is then simplified and refined, whilst maintaining a sense of figuration. The titles of these streamlined forms make reference to them perhaps being thought of as ancient gods and being worshipped for their power and beauty.