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DON'T TAKE MY HEART AWAY

© The Estate of Bob Law. Courtesy Richard Saltoun Gallery

DON'T TAKE MY HEART AWAY 1987

Bob Law (1934 – 2004)

Details

Dimension
6.7 X 7.5 X 19 CM
Media
BRONZE IN TWO PARTS
Accession number
P5588

Summary

“Thank you for your letter confirming the purchase of  bronze sculpture ‘Don’t take my heart away’.

 

The dictionary definition that inspired the sculpture is as follows

 

Vessel            said of the body, especially as the receptacle of the soul – 1704.                  Obsolete

 

The heart in this case being representing the soul and the body by the coffin plus a bit of my poet’s licence which I have.

 

As far as fixing the two pieces together, if you did then you could no longer take the heart away – needs thinking about!

 

I also confirm that it is absolutely unique.  The original was made from wood and lost wax using the burning out technique.  It was cast at Goldsmiths Art College in 1987.”

 

Letter from the artist dated 25th April 1988          

Glossary

  • Bronze

    A metal alloy made from copper with up to two-thirds tin, often with other small amounts of other metals. Commonly used in casting. A work cast in bronze is sometimes referred to as 'a bronze'.

  • Cast

    To form material such as molten metal, liquid plaster or liquid plastic into a three-dimensional shape, by pouring into a mould. Also see Lost-wax casting.

  • Sculpture

    A three-dimensional work of art. Such works may be carved, modelled, constructed, or cast. Sculptures can also be described as assemblage, in the round, relief, and made in a huge variety of media. Contemporary practice also includes live elements, as in Gilbert & George 'Living Sculpture' as well as broadcast work, radio or sound sculpture.