FDA-Sc.255-2026
Parts
Object number
FDA-Sc.255-2026
Object type
Identification
Title
The Helmet
Title Type
assigned by artist
Description
Abstract figure segemented into sections; with a blade like head
Comments
Early maquette for The Helmut sculpture at Margam Country Park, Port Talbot, Wales
Merchant said his Helmet was “a protest against the mindlessness of mere power”. The maquettes show the development of Merchant’s use of Etruscan forms until, in the central figure, with its faceless arrogance, he achieves what he wished to convey. The figure was cast in iron, ten feet high, and is now in the Margam Sculpture Park, near Port Talbot. At the opening, it received the approval of Elizabeth Frink, whose work Merchant greatly admired and who was to become a friend.
Merchant said his Helmet was “a protest against the mindlessness of mere power”. The maquettes show the development of Merchant’s use of Etruscan forms until, in the central figure, with its faceless arrogance, he achieves what he wished to convey. The figure was cast in iron, ten feet high, and is now in the Margam Sculpture Park, near Port Talbot. At the opening, it received the approval of Elizabeth Frink, whose work Merchant greatly admired and who was to become a friend.
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 290mm
width (actual size): 92mm
depth (actual size): 30mm
width (actual size): 92mm
depth (actual size): 30mm
Inscription
Inscribed sticker in black pen, under base: ‘“The Helmet” 1981/2 / Maquette for Welsh / Sculpture Trust piece / Moelwyn Merchant’
Materials & techniques note
Bronze
Production
Person
Merchant, Moelwyn, 1913 - 1997 (Artist)
Date
1981-1982
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: Possibly ‘Sculptor and Poet’, College Library, Eton College, 1998 (catalogue number 7)
Exhibited: Possibly ‘Sculptor and Poet’, College Library, Eton College, 1998 (catalogue number 7)
