Morning Grandad!

As John and I walked into the gallery this morning we couldn't help but smile at 'Snowy Tops' which looks amazing hanging on the end wall beyond the desk... seeing it there just reinforced how proud we are to be working with Mackenzie Thorpe. 

After hanging the original yesterday we also unpacked and placed two sculptures. 'Grandad's Little Finger' is a gorgeous bronze sculpture. It shows a little boy and his Grandad walking along deep in conversation, each with their over-sized boots and carefully poised hands, leading you to wonder what could they possibly be talking about? The bronze is smooth and curved and has a beautiful depth of colour... it calls out to you to touch it...

'Grandad's Little Finger' by Mackenzie Thorpe

It's probably best you don't tell the world but I couldn't help myself but call out 'Morning Grandad' as I walked past!

First thing this morning the excitement continued with the arrival of an enormous box! It had three layers and I almost expected to find a goodie as I unwrapped each one! Finally the polystyrene packaging was removed and there they were, waiting to be lifted clear... 

'The Apostles' is a stunning sculpture cast in parian. It is an impressive size at 31 inches long and standing 10.5 inches tall it is a stunning piece of work! Of course there were 12 apostles in Biblical terms but there are 13 here... each carefully crafted by Mackenzie with a gesture, a bicycle, a stick or a dog...

Each man is deep in conversation or deep in thought... they are having a laugh, telling a tale and all the while they are following their daily routine... and as such 'The Apostles' are the followers of life...

'The Apostles' by Mackenzie Thorpe

A Snowy Surprise...

Yesterday evening we had an appointment at Mackenzie Thorpe's Gallery in Richmond to collect some work for our new display having recently been approved as a Mackenzie Thorpe Partnership gallery.

Wendy as usual was a complete oracle of information about Mackenzie and his work and everything we were expecting was ready and waiting for collection... but not before she invited us to join her in a cup of coffee and some tales of adventure.

By the time we left we had acquired another print and a gorgeous bronze sculpture! You know when you just close you eyes and wish... well it happened! 'Grandads Little Finger' was coming home to the Acorn...

'Grandad's Little Finger' in bronze by Mackenzie Thorpe

To our surprise Wendy had also planned on including an original for our display and to our total delight the piece she had in mind was one which we had admired on our last visit!

Entitled 'Snowy Tops' this magnificent pastel work has bold but simple colours and a strong message that even in deepest winter when the snow falls and the leaves are gone, the Shepherd will always take care of his flock. 

Of course the Shepherd and his sheep are not only a literal representation they also make a symbolic reference to the family and those in all places who take care of others...

'Snowy Tops' by Mackenzie Thorpe

Mackenzie's use of warm gold colours in stark contrast to the cold you know there must be, reminds us of the force of nature and yet in the strong and calm presence of the shepherd we feel comforted and safe.

My heart sang as we took a steady drive home although I'm sure the car was a little heavy on its axles!