FDA-Sc.246-2026
Parts
Object number
FDA-Sc.246-2026
Object type
Identification
Title
Growing Form IV
Title Type
assigned by artist
Description
Black abstract organic form with a purple split inner core
Comments
Merchant loved to experiment. These four versions of Growing Form in different materials show both the sensitivity and the blind power of natural growth. Barbara Hepworth suggested that the theme could be developed further by increasing the size. Merchant obliged and now a nine foot Growing Form in aluminium stands outside the library at Burton-on-Trent, and an eleven foot steel construction is in the Scottish Sculpture Park at Carrbridge surrounded by pine-trees, as shown in the photograph.
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 380mm
width (actual size): 130mm
depth (actual size): 93mm
width (actual size): 130mm
depth (actual size): 93mm
Inscription
Lettered label, under base: ‘A LIFE’S WORK / (Moelwyn Merchant) / Clwyd Exhibition Services / 9 Growing Form IV’
Materials & techniques note
Painted ceramic with wooden base
Production
Person
Merchant, Moelwyn, 1913 - 1997 (Artist)
Organisation
Tregaron Pottery (Manufacturer)
Date
1972
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Collection of the artist; by whom presented to Eton College in 1988, with continual additions presented until 1997
Exhibited: 'A Life’s Work’, touring exhibition, 1984-1986 (catalogue number 9; ‘Moelwyn Merchant’, School Library, Eton College, 1990 (catalogue item g); Possibly ‘Sculptor and Poet’, College Library, Eton College, 1998 (catalogue number 8)
Exhibited: 'A Life’s Work’, touring exhibition, 1984-1986 (catalogue number 9; ‘Moelwyn Merchant’, School Library, Eton College, 1990 (catalogue item g); Possibly ‘Sculptor and Poet’, College Library, Eton College, 1998 (catalogue number 8)
