Denis MitchellUntitled, c.1984c.1984

Mitchell was one of Britain’s foremost modernist sculptors of the 20th century.

Growing up in South Wales alongside Dylan Thomas, the young Mitchell was drawn to Cornwall’s avant-garde art scene, compelling him to move there at the age of 18. Via an introduction from Bernard Leach, Mitchell became a long-term studio assistant of Barbara Hepworth, spending a decade learning by her side and facilitating her artwork.

Post-War, he rose to prominence as a sculptor in his own right – his work demonstrating extraordinary prowess across wood, slate, stone, bronze and brass.