In 2021 we were delighted to launch our Residency programme; a programme designed to inspire and support emerging local artists and creative practitioners. Our Residencies incubate creativity and productivity as well as providing a platform to support businesses and entrepreneurial spirit.
Meet our current Sculptor in Residence: Allan Poxton
Allan is a self-taught artist/sculptor. As a child he loved to draw, paint and create, however at that time it was not the norm for a Yorkshire coal miners’ son to become an artist or creative. Therefore, he found work, starting as an engineering apprentice where he learned to weld and fabricate steel to casting and machining then on to an engineering design job. Once beginning creating, his field of work has influenced his creating process significantly.
Creative process
Sculpture has long fascinated me. Across the globe, you can find remarkable works—each showcasing extraordinary skill in capturing observation, detail, and the essence of form, whether it’s a figure or a creature.
Yet, while I admire traditional sculpture, I’ve found my own creative path. My journey began with welding and fabricating simple armatures. Initially, I intended to build on these structures with clay or plaster to model precise anatomy and proportions. Over time, I discovered that working directly with steel became my medium of choice, allowing my sculptures to take on a life of their own.
Each piece I create is unique. While I may revisit themes—figures, horses, or birds—no two sculptures are ever the same. Each one evolves naturally during its creation, shaped by the process and the ideas that emerge along the way.
Capturing movement is at the heart of my work. This focus adds complexity, as anatomy shifts dynamically with motion. My goal is for my sculptures to look natural and accurate from every angle. This constant pursuit of precision pushes me to refine my techniques and deepen my understanding of form.
Every project begins with a vision—sometimes from an image in my mind, other times inspired by a photograph. From there, I plan the dimensions, proportions, and posture of the piece, focusing on the essence of the movement I aim to capture.
This process, however, is far from rigid. As I work, I adjust and refine continuously. Sometimes, the movement or proportions don’t feel right, and when that happens, I reshape, lengthen, or shorten as needed. My scrap bin often holds the remnants of these adjustments—pieces that didn’t fit but are never wasted, always recycled for future creations.
Steel has become more than a material for me; it’s a way to bring life to the figures, horses, and birds that inspire me. Each sculpture reflects not just the movement of the subject but the passion and dedication I pour into every step of the process.
“What a fabulous opportunity for me to have a residency in Cockington Court Cob Barn. This gives me the chance to extend my work and push my creative skills to another level”
