Laurence Broderick, (1935 -2024), Nude II

bronze, signed and numbered 3/7
41cm high

Laurence Broderick is, of course, best-known for his 2003 work The Guardian. Known also as The Bull, the seven-tonne bronze, installed in Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre, has become an iconic and beloved emblem of the city and has brought Broderick’s oeuvre into the broader public consciousness.

Born in Bristol, Broderick studied art at the Regent Street Polytechnic and Hammersmith School of Art, training under esteemed sculptors including Geoffrey Deeley and Sidney Harpley. Following his training, Broderick worked as a freelance illustrator and art teacher for two decades before committing to sculpture. It was a chance encounter with a wild otter during a family holiday in 1978 that inspired this important career shift. Captivated by the creature’s grace, Broderick began sculpting wildlife, particularly otters, earning a devoted following. His wildlife sculptures, carved directly from British stone or cast in bronze, combined smooth curves and flowing lines with areas of rough texture, capturing both vitality and elegance.

Although his fame rests largely on The Bull, Broderick’s broader body of work includes powerful bronze portraits and wildlife studies. A passionate conservationist, he served as joint president of the International Otter Survival Fund, dedicating his art to raising awareness of endangered species. His work, shown in prestigious exhibitions worldwide, remains a testament to his profound connection with nature and his ability to distil its essence into timeless forms.