Sean Henry: Seated Figure

“The lovely thing about putting work outside is it has a life of its own”

Sean Henry makes detailed and life-like sculptures of anonymous figures, often in casual poses and deep in thought. They are usually based on members of the public or actors, and scaled either up or down, so they are never actually life sized. Seated Figure is a monumental 3 metres tall. The artist uses clay to model his works in the studio, before they are cast in bronze.

Sean Henry Seated Figure 2016 Courtesy of the artist The David Ross Foundation and YSP at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Sited on the ridge of Oxley Bank, the work is intended to become one with the landscape and the figure seems to contemplate the stunning, far-reaching views beyond. As it can be seen from a distance, it is easy to question whether the person is real as you approach the site.