Stephen Cox
Born
Stephen Cox RA was born in 1946 in Bristol, England.
Early Life
Stephen Cox grew up in Britain and developed an early interest in sculpture and architecture. From a young age, he was drawn to ancient civilisations, sacred architecture, and the enduring presence of carved stone in historic landscapes. These early fascinations later became central to his artistic philosophy and practice.
Education
Cox studied at:
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Bath Academy of Art (1964–1968)
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Royal College of Art, London (1968–1970)
During his time at the Royal College of Art, he refined his technical skill in stone carving and began developing the monumental, architecturally influenced approach that would define his career.
Career
Stephen Cox is internationally recognised for his monumental stone sculptures, often carved from single blocks of marble, alabaster, or other natural stone. His work bridges ancient traditions and contemporary practice.
A defining period of his career began in the 1970s when he travelled extensively in India and Egypt, working directly in stone quarries. His long association with Indian marble quarries—particularly in Rajasthan—has deeply influenced his methods and aesthetic. Cox frequently carves on-site, engaging directly with the landscape and material.
His sculptures have been exhibited globally and are held in major public and private collections. Notable commissions and installations include works for:
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The British Museum, London
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The Victoria and Albert Museum, London
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The Tate Gallery, London
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The House of Commons, London
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Major public sites in the UK, Europe, India, and the Middle East
Cox is known for creating large-scale works that integrate sculpture, architecture, and landscape. His practice often explores the dialogue between cultures, particularly connections between Western and Eastern stone-carving traditions.
He was elected a Royal Academician (RA) in 2006.
Awards
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Royal Academician (RA), Royal Academy of Arts (elected 2006)
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Recipient of several major public and international commissions
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Widely exhibited in leading institutions and international biennales
(While Cox is particularly known for major commissions and institutional recognition, his career has been defined more by large-scale public works and international exhibitions than by a long list of competitive awards.)
Subjects of Work
Stephen Cox’s work commonly explores:
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Ancient civilisations and sacred architecture
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Mythology and symbolic forms
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Cross-cultural dialogue (particularly between Europe, India, and Egypt)
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Time, permanence, and memory
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The relationship between sculpture and landscape
His forms often evoke temples, sarcophagi, architectural fragments, and abstracted sacred objects.
Materials of Work
Cox works primarily in stone, especially:
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Marble (including Carrara and Rajasthani marble)
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Alabaster
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Limestone
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Granite
He is particularly known for carving directly into massive, single blocks of stone, often working in traditional quarry settings. Occasionally, he incorporates other materials, but stone remains central to his artistic identity.
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Abstract £30,000 inc VATMonumental Stone Wall Hanging Sculpture – Ecstacy: St Agatha by Stephen Cox (Unique)
Ecstacy: St Agatha by Stephen Cox, Wall Hanging Sculpture, Red Verona Marble