Girl Skipping by Olwen Gillmore, Bronze , 128cm high by 90cm wide by 100cm deep , Body , Children , Classical , Female , Figurative , People , Sport sculpture
Olwen Gillmore’s Girl Skipping captures the lighthearted joy of childhood in bronze. Measuring 128cm high, 90cm wide, and 100cm deep, the sculpture depicts a young girl mid-motion, caught in the playful rhythm of a skipping rope. She balances gracefully on one leg, while the other lifts high behind her, suggesting both energy and balance. Her hair and clothing rise slightly, frozen in the moment as though lifted by the air stirred by her movement.
The rope arcs behind her in mid-swing, its poised curve suggesting the next beat of her skipping rhythm. This detail not only frames the girl’s figure but also amplifies the sense of fluidity. Her expression, a radiant and carefree smile, embodies youthful joy.
Gillmore uses bronze to give permanence to a fleeting, everyday gesture. The solidity of the medium contrasts beautifully with the lightness of the scene. Consequently, the sculpture feels both grounded and alive, preserving a moment that might otherwise vanish in seconds.
The composition invites the viewer to circle the piece, as each angle reveals a different perspective of the girl’s play. From one side, the dynamic curve of the rope dominates; from another, her upward kick and joyful expression come to life. Altogether, Girl Skipping celebrates vitality, movement, and the unrestrained happiness of childhood.
