The sheer quality of Claire Norrington's work must place her in the very top echelon of British figurative sculptors. She is unafraid of any new challenge and her latest sculpture is testimony to this. 'Eve' has been commissioned for Reading's new ultra-smart hotel, The Forbury, where no expense has been spared. A further 24 of Claire's bronzes - one for each bedroom - have also been acquired.

The bronze of 'Eve', an edition of six, will stand over 10 feet high in the entrance foyer of the hotel. It has beeen modelled in the distinctive Norrington style, using materials including corrugated paper, foam padding and wood. The nude holds an owl, wings outstretched, high above her head, accentuating the tension and sinews of the body.

'Eve' also represents the further development of Claire's work - the reaching up towards a new phase in her career, the freedom to move on. As can be seen in both the two- and three-dimensional work in this show, Norrington has been studying again the human form, both male and female. The bronze 'Birdman' is a very powerful piece and the suggestion of freedom - the freedom to almost fly - is, for me at least, a very strong perception in the piece.

In this Claire's third solo exhibition with us, she is also exhibiting some studies which we hope will give more of an insight into how the work develops. Until recently she has been very possessive about her studies and has never offered them for general consumption or sale. It is only now that she feels, without being too luvvie about it, that she can share them with the viewer.

In any event, this exhibition of 12 bronzes, 20 mixed media drawings and some associated studies and sketches by this brilliant young woman will be a joy to all who take the time to view.

Ian Courcoux

Click here to see details of Claire Norrington's previous show (2004)

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