Process and Progress: The Work of Ronald Pope
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the sculptor Ronald Pope.
Born in Gloucestershire in 1920, Pope moved to Derbyshire as a young child. He first trained as an engineer at Rolls-Royce between 1938 and 1945, leaving soon after to study sculpture at the Slade School of Fine Art. However, his growing aversion to commercialism and need for privacy led him back to Derbyshire in 1948 where he remained until his death in 1997.
Pope cited the local landscape as one of his most important sources of inspiration. Nevertheless, his approach to art was distinctly outward-looking. His work can be compared with an international band of Modernist sculptors, including Constantin Brâncuși, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and David Smith. Like them he looked to non-Western and ancient cultures, developing new and simplified forms of representation. Equally unconventional was his approach to materials: carving wood and stone directly and later constructing sculptures from welded metal. Above all Pope was fascinated with the theme of human unity, exploring its meaning through diverse subjects such as couples, families, crowds, and even natural landforms. The shape of the cross –a symbol of connection –recurred throughout his sculptures. In this, his art reflects some of the anxiety as well as the hopefulness of the post-war period in which he worked.
When Derby’s museums were still part of Derby City Council in 2008, a programme of events and exhibitions marked the 10th anniversary of Ronald Pope’s death, in partnership with the University of Derby and Derby Cathedral. The programme leaflet contains some fascinating information and insights, including an introduction from Ronald’s daughter and son, Jane Hubbard and Neil Pope. Take a look at the programme leaflet here (download).
Explore the 2020 exhibition at Derby Museum and Art Gallery below.
