Vertebrae by Tim Threlfall, Bronze, Edition 2 of 3, 44cm high by 40cm wide by 46cm deep, bone sculpture

Vertebrae by Tim Threlfall is a bronze sculpture, edition 2 of 3, measuring 44 cm high, 40 cm wide, and 46 cm deep. The piece takes the form of a single spine vertebra, enlarged and reimagined as an object of sculptural beauty. Its curves, ridges, and hollows are carefully cast, revealing the organic complexity of this essential element of the body’s structure.

The bronze surface carries a rich patina, shifting between warm and dark tones that emphasise depth and contour. Light catches on the high points while shadows sink into the recessed areas, creating a play between solidity and openness. This contrast draws attention to the vertebra’s dual nature—both strong enough to bear weight and delicate in its intricate form.

Threlfall presents the vertebra as more than just anatomy. By isolating and enlarging it, he elevates it to a symbol of resilience, balance, and the quiet engineering of nature. The rounded openings invite the viewer’s gaze to pass through, while the sweeping extensions seem to reach outward, giving the sculpture a sense of movement despite its stillness.

Viewed from different angles, the piece shifts between scientific study and abstract form, bridging art and anatomy. In Vertebrae, Threlfall transforms a fragment of the human body into a striking meditation on structure, strength, and the beauty found in life’s smallest details.