Working Against the Grain

This lavishly illustrated book breaks new ground infocusing on some of the many successful professional British women sculptorsactive during this period. Largely unknown, the few women who have been mentioned in histories of twentiethcentury British sculpture have been those who adhered to the (masculine)Modernist canon. Organized by theme this book explores and illustrates anunusually large number of and stylistically varied works. The social andcultural contexts in which these women sculptors were working are investigated,revealing how, mostly male, commentators often fixated on their gender at theexpense of seriously engaging with their work. A wide variety of sources areused, ranging from contemporary art historical accounts to articles in popularmagazines. This book explores contemporary sculptural developments, art school training, exhibitingopportunities, and the writings of influential critics. It also reveals howimportant photography, film and the written word were in the creation ofreputations. Alongside revealing important works and individuals,this book’s originality also lies in its scope, covering diverse sculpturalgenres such as decorativesculpture and utilitarian objects for the home and garden; portraits andstatues; architectural sculpture, war memorials and ecclesiastical work.