1935 - 2020

Based in rural Northumberland close to Hexham, Gilbert Ward carved high quality sculpture in stone and wood and created a formidable body of public and studio works.

He studied fine art at King’s College, Durham University and after a number of teaching posts became head of sculpture at Northumbria University. He continued to make sculpture following early retirement  up to his death in 2020.

Among many commissions throughout Britain were Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, Darlington Memorial Hospital, BBC, Aberdeen City Council and Newcastle University. His group shows included Young Contemporaries, Mall Galleries; LG; 10 Sculptors at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle, 1980; Richard Demarco Gallery, Edinburgh, 1988; and The Northern Lights, Newcastle Group show at DLI Museum & Arts Centre, 1990. He had a solo show at York University.

Gilbert’s sculpture results from his fascination and connection with the landscape. His work explores formal geometry and structures within nature, and the potential for growth, evolution and transition of natural forms.

Many pieces reference the role that water plays in the structure and development of landscape, its flow, and the timeless nature of its evolution.

“I am a sculptor and a sculptor’s work is his statement.

Sculpture cannot lie, it is an idea; material, form and structure, brought together in an object.

One would like to think that the landscape poets and music makers all work towards understanding the light, the weather, the sound, the touch, and the notion of transition.”

Balman Gallery are pleased to offer for sale a number of Ward's sculptures that still remain as part of his estate.