John Farnham
Born:
John Farnham was born in 1942 in Perry Green, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, England.
Early Life:
He grew up in rural Hertfordshire, next door to the renowned sculptor Henry Moore. His father ran a building and carpentry business responsible for maintaining Moore’s estate. This gave Farnham an early view of Moore’s artwork, visitors and studio life, sparking his interest in sculpture.
Education:
Rather than attending a traditional art college, Farnham gained his education through a long practical apprenticeship under Henry Moore. This hands-on experience taught him specialist skills including constructing armatures, creating enlargements and patinating bronze.
He also observed and learnt from notable sculptors and assistants working around Moore, including Anthony Caro, Phillip King and Isaac Witkin.
Career:
In 1958, Farnham began working for his father’s building business on Moore’s estate. He started assisting Moore part-time around 1960 and became a full-time assistant in 1965, working alongside him until Moore’s death in 1986.
Farnham began producing his own work in 1960 and first exhibited publicly at London’s Pace Gallery in 1969. His first major solo exhibition was held at the Old Bakehouse Gallery in 1973.
After Moore’s death, Farnham worked from 1986 to 2007 as a sculpture conservator and exhibition organiser for the Henry Moore Foundation.
He has also been a guest instructor at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and an artist-in-residence at institutions including the Margaret Dane School. He continues to work from his independent studio in Braughing, Hertfordshire.
Subjects of Work:
Farnham’s early work was relatively conventional, but by the mid-1970s his style had developed into more complex, personal and abstract forms.
His sculptures often explore organic human and animal forms, alongside imagery inspired by mythology, ancient cultures and world history. These influences have been shaped by more than forty years of travel across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Materials of Work:
Farnham works extensively with cast bronze and stainless steel, while also having a strong passion for direct hand-carving. He uses a wide range of stone, including alabaster, marble and soapstone, as well as wood and plaster.
He often allows the natural layers, colours and qualities of the material to influence the final form of a sculpture.
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Abstract £2,100 inc VATLarge Abstract Stone Sculpture – Spiral Hand by John Farnham (Unique)
Spiral Hand by John Farnham, Opal stone