Poppy by Tom Merrifield, Bronze, Edition of 9, 150cm high by 90cm wide by 90cm deep,

This bronze ballerina sculpture, titled Poppy, captures the essence of ballet in its most elegant form. Frozen in a moment of performance, she stands gracefully with one foot extended behind her. Her hands rest just above the skirt of her tutu. Set on a circular base, the figure conveys both the beauty of ballet and the strength required of a skilled dancer.

Marti sculpted Poppy with meticulous attention to detail. Every muscle and sinew appears defined beneath the smooth bronze surface. The curve of her back, the extension of her limbs, and the tilt of her head all create a sense of fluidity and poise. In this way, she appears as if she is mid-performance on a grand stage, ready to captivate the audience.

The ballerina’s costume is equally precise. The folds and drapes of her tutu capture movement in bronze. The delicate leotard and the lines of her ballet slippers enhance both realism and artistry. Together, these details bring the sculpture to life and highlight the dancer’s discipline and grace.

Moreover, Poppy exudes timeless beauty and elegance. She embodies the fleeting perfection of ballet in a single, frozen moment. As a result, the sculpture suits a gallery, a private collection, or an outdoor garden. It offers a striking tribute to both the artistry and athleticism of the ballet dancer.

One sculpture from this edition stands outside The Anvil Theatre in Basingstoke. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council purchased it, and it was unveiled in 1996. Today, it celebrates dance and continues to inspire audiences, capturing the skill and poise of ballet in lasting bronze.