Page 48 - Studio International - October 1965

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1 tion. is one of the most mysterious elements in art.
Strucwre 33A. November 1964
Polished aluminium Yet it is precisely this un-analysable quality which
48 ems. gives an artist's expression its significant individuality,
Hamilton Galleries
and in the case of a great painter or sculptor produces
2 relationships of infinite evocative power. 'Every artist',
Structure 39C. January 1965
Copper says Gilbert, ·wants to create his own form'; and in this
70 ems. search chooses materials which help him and which
Hamilton Galleries
he can dominate. Gilbert's sculptures are not welded;
3
Structure 37A. August 1964 every section is screwed to the next. His forms were
Polished alum1n1um developed from rectilinear constructions, which arose
40 x 55 ems.
Hamilton Galleries out of the architectural maquettes, and then became
tentative three-dimensional compositions held in what
4
Structure 25A, August 1962 he terms 'space-frames'. It took him a year to devise
Aluminium and perspex the means of removing the frames so that the structures
80 x 60 ems.
I lamllton Gallrnes could be free-standing.
5 From his architectural experiments he found aluminium
Structure 208, 1962 easy to handle in a studio, which is not a workshop, and
Aluminium
51 ems. appreciated the ability to make sheer, unblemished
Le1cestor Un1vers1ty curves which are hand-manipulated yet also have a

machine-like finish. This duality, or dichotomy, of
artist-artisanship, with elements of our machine age,
perfectly expresses his desired relationship between
art and modern society. Gilbert has recently experi­
mented with brass, which he finds attractive, and
copper which he describes as 'haphazard'. He has also
completed his first commission for the London County
Council, a large 8 ft. 6 in. high form in stainless steel,
thus suitable for placing out-doors. It will eventually
stand beside the lily-pond in The Park, the charming
garden of the former Leverhulme residence adjoining
Hampstead Heath, which was recently acquired for
the public.
Gilbert's current exhibition at the Hamilton Gallery is
his first London showing since the Drian exhibitions
166