The Bellringer

Emma Woffenden (born 1962)

Shipley Art Gallery

2006

Woffenden is one of Britain's most innovative and intriguing glass artists. The centrepiece of this work is a sculptural piece representing a truncated human figure. It oscillates between being strong and weak, soft and hard, clear and clouded. The paradox continues as the form is suspended, the heavy cast mass becomes weightless as it is frozen before us. The blown glass bells offer familiarity in both form and appearance; the glass makes them clear and sparking yet this quality also makes them invisible. The Bells and Ringer are hung by ropes and the ropes are animated through the human presence represented by the Ringer. The Bellringer combines the artist's renowned androgynous cast forms and tableau composition to create an abstract piece that explores the human condition. Shipley has one of the most significant craft collections and this is the first installation piece acquired for the gallery.

• Medium: glass & rope
• Dimensions: 310 x 360 x 60cm
• Art Fund Grant: £2500 ( Total: £5,609)
• ArtFunded in: 2010
• Vendor: Barrett Marsden Gallery

Provenance

The artist.

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