Lecture Examines the Evolution of British Sculpture
Raymond Warburton to give talk for The Arts Society South West London
‘Cloud Gate’ by Anish Kapoor in Chicago
October 31, 2025
The Arts Society South West London will host a public lecture examining the trajectory of British sculpture from the 20th century to the present day. The event on Monday 10 November, titled Sculpture in Britain Today and Tomorrow, will be delivered by art historian and lecturer Raymond Warburton at the Community Church on Werter Road, Putney, with simultaneous access via Zoom.
Mr Warburton’s talk will trace the development of British sculpture from its mid-century renaissance—led by figures such as Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth—through to contemporary practitioners including Rachel Whiteread, Antony Gormley, Maggi Hambling, Anish Kapoor, Richard Long and David Nash. These artists, known for their diverse approaches to form, material and public engagement, have shaped the cultural landscape with works that range from monumental installations to intimate, conceptual pieces.
The lecture will also examine the evolving role of public sculpture, with a particular focus on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. Mr Warburton will review past commissions and preview proposals for the 2026–2028 cycle, offering insight into how contemporary artists respond to civic space and public discourse.
The evening will conclude with a look at emerging sculptors whose work signals new directions in British art. The speaker, who has been a guide at Tate Britain and Tate Modern since 2012, holds an MA in the History of Art from the University of Buckingham and lectures widely on visual culture. He is a member of the Arts Society in Blackheath.
he event is free for members of the Arts Society. Non-members are invited to attend with a suggested donation of £10. The lecture begins at 8pm
The venue is located at Putney Arts Theatre, Ravenna Road, SW15 6AW.
If you have never attended an Arts Society lecture before you are urged to join and find out about your local Arts Society.
Visit the society’s website for further details.
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