Barry Flanagan

Barry Flanagan (1941–2009) was born in North Wales and studied at St. Martin’s School of Art, later teaching there and at the Central School of Art. Early in his career, Flanagan revolutionized sculpture with his use of unconventional materials like sand, rope, and cloth, creating playful, radical works that challenged traditional forms. Influenced by ‘pataphysics, he often allowed materials to shape themselves, and his work reflected humor and poetic experimentation.

In the 1980s, Flanagan began creating the bronze hares for which he is best known—lively, monumental figures that merge the mythical, symbolic, and everyday, reflecting on human existence and our connection to the animal world. His use of the hare was inspired by seeing one run across the Sussex Downs, linking to Egyptian and Chinese mythologies around life and immortality. Flanagan also explored other animal forms, including horses and elephants, combining classical sculpture references with a contemporary sensibility.

Flanagan exhibited widely, participating in landmark shows such as When Attitudes Become Form (1969) and Informationat MoMA (1970), and held major exhibitions at institutions including the Tate and the Royal Academy. His work in film, performance, and collaboration—such as with Yoko Ono—further reflected his experimental approach. Elected a Royal Academician in 1991 and awarded an OBE, Flanagan remains celebrated for his innovative, spirited contribution to contemporary sculpture.