Bruce Hardwick and Lynn Critchlow currently live and work in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

Bruce began his career as an artist with a ceramics course at Doncaster College in the 80s. Discovering a talent he then followed that course with an HND at Derby University in 1987. Then Bruce Studied Fine Art at Psalter Lane in Sheffield 1989/90 before going to work in Fashion Design in Leeds. In 1991/1992 he went to Australia to develop his learning and studied in Brisbane. On returning to the UK he enrolled at Bretton Hall for a postgraduate degree in 1993. Bruce met Lynn around that time and due to her interest in his work undertook to learn all aspects of making under his tutelage.

Retrospective

Bruce Hardwick & Lynne Critchlow

Opening evening Friday 15 October - 7:30-9:30pm - hospitality provided

Bruce, as a keen bird watcher and environmentalist has dedicated most of his practice to highlighting and referencing both the power and fragility of our natural world in his art. Bruce and Lynne Critchlows’s practice, which is inseparable as they work together, has spanned many disciplines including mixed media sculpture and installation, but they are most widely known and acclaimed for their ceramic sculptures, most notably, their iconic ‘Dodos’.

“Bruce once quipped that the dodos were self portraits as he felt like a soon to be extinct species!” Karen Sherwood, Director.

Lynn and Bruce have created a diverse range of ceramic art using many different firing techniques including Raku, Anagama, and Saltglaze to Electric Stoneware. They have also made their bird, fantastical beast and other sculptures in bronze and pewter.

Due to Bruce’s health issues this has been an intermittent process that has seen Bruce working less on ceramics and more on painting. During the lock down periods Bruce designed works which were then created with the assistance of other artists.

This exhibition features work spanning several years to show the breadth and diversity of Bruce and Lynn’s sculptural work and also includes several new works despite difficult making conditions and health issues. This retrospective focuses on sculptural ceramic work.

Their work is exhibited world wide and is held in private collections internationally. Notable exhibitions include the prestigious RA Summer exhibition.

“ We have shown Bruce & Lynn’s work over many years and we know that their pieces have bought much pleasure to many. Each piece is imbued with such character and deep feeling.” Karen, Director