Dates for your Diary 2013

2013
Michael’s contemporary bronze sculptures can increasingly been seen in all corners of the globe. He is very proud of his link with Chelsea Flower Show which he has enjoyed now for many years.

Over the past 18 months Michael’s various works have replaced an Antony Gormley in the South of France and have been shipped to the USA to stand outside a law school in Philadelphia. Six new sculptures also now compliment a prestigious new development in Hong Kong. Large works have been created for a significant collector in the Middle East and a solo show is now scheduled in a prestigious Mayfair gallery for 2013.

Michael has also just completed ‘Momentum lll’ a work installed outside Millbank Tower, next door to Tate Britain in central London, overlooking the Thames.

Momentum outside Mougins International School, France

Provence & Côte d'Azur: An artistic piece of work by Michael Speller was welcomed to the Mougins International School.

Sculpture mimics school's philosophy
To continue its tradition of welcoming innovative artistic talents, Mougins International School unveiled a bronze statue entitled 'Momentum', created by British artist Michael Speller. To celebrate the occasion, the school hosted a special open day where groups of enthusiastic students had the chance to meet the creator in person.

Excited students swarmed around the new sculpture on Tuesday 19th June, bursting with questions for the artist of the new permanent fixture of the school.

Its eye-catching design depicts a figure in motion centred within two bronze circles, striving to achieve life's ambitions. The artist was originally inspired by athletes and aimed to express what they have to endure. Coated in a range of random words and phrases, Speller has also echoed specific feelings and emotions drawn from his imagination at the specific moment in time that he was constructing the slick design.

Momentum outside the Drexel’s Recreation Center, USA

Momentum, this foundry bronze sculpture by Michael Speller stands outside the entrance to Drexel’s Recreation Center right across the street from the Earle Mack School of Law. Donated by Ambassador Earle Mack, Momentum, like a runner crowned in glory, serves as an inspiration to both those entering the recreation center and the law school.

Momentum III outside Millbank Tower London

"Motivation" at Saint Saviours House

Chelsea Flower Show 2012
Michael Speller BT Olympic Art of Sport Artist meets Olympic Gold Medallist Mark Hunter. The sculpture created this year is centred on the qualities required to strive for your dreams. Beyond the physical skill required for an individual sport or discipline, and more in the realm of where all medals will be won and lost this summer. In the mind.

Michael Speller meets Mark Hunter at RHS Chelsea 2012

RHS Chelsea 2012

RHS Chelsea 2012

'Unity' at RHS Chelsea 2011

'Eclipse' at RHS Chelsea 2011

Second studio acquired in South East London for larger works.

Expo Gallery Terminal 5 Heathrow relaunched with support of BAA .

British Telecom have taken over from Lloyds TSB as the official sponsor
of Olympic Artists for 2012 – first major event will be held at Manchester
in May for the Para games.

Kate Gould’s award-winning garden RHS Chelsea 2010

New commissioned work on its way to Asia for a new development in Hong Kong in September.

Commission ‘Unity’ to be shipped to Colorado in June

‘Parallel Plane’ at Loch Lomond Golf Club, Scotland

'Legacy'

Olympic Dream
Along with many others, the 2012 Olympics coming to London has long been a passion of Michael’s. He has always looked upon the Olympics as being inspirational, giving an opportunity for those with a variety of talents to try and compete with the best. Offering participants and spectators far more insight into the human condition than solely in the sport in which they are involved.

We live in a world that is not a level playing field. We are defined by the country we inhabit and furthermore by social and economic factors within that country. Your personal good fortune regarding place of birth can make a big difference to lifetime opportunities. However, the Olympic dream is one that can be grasped by all. It is open to many who would not otherwise have a realistic opportunity to achieve on the world stage. That opportunity and potential is at the heart of what is so great about the Olympics and Paralympics. These games give the next generation a positive dream towards which they can strive.

2012 Commission
Michael is seeking to be commissioned for a larger scale version of the sculpture ‘Legacy’ currently being exhibited at terminal 5 Heathrow, to be a permanent reminder of the London 2012 Olympics. In the process of creating this international work a great deal of innovative publicity will be produced for the sponsors involved in the project. Details on application.

Gallery Terminal 5 Heathrow, close to 1st class departure lounge

‘Legacy’ will be created in Bronze and will be produced by local foundries in the East End of London close to where the games are to take place. It will stand approximately 10 m tall as a tribute to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics games. It will be created with the involvement of the local and international community.

The hemisphere on the base represents the beginning of a journey on which he would like those with aspirations to compete in 2012 to make a permanent impression with the pad of their thumb - a mark of intent and commitment. This could include children with their own enthusiasm to be involved in the games, making their marks and impressions on the hemisphere as their part of the current and future legacy of the games.

In much of his work Michael scribes text upon the bronze to suggest his thoughts whilst creating the sculpture. In this case he would like to select the names of sportsmen and women who have inspired us in previous Olympic Games who are all part of the building blocks of future achievement. Their names or sentiments would be etched onto the surface of the torso.

The arms of the figure sweep upwards to form a circle of interconnecting small spheres each one of which will represent a nation competing at the games; each sphere would be produced by each participating nation made with clay from home soil. All of the spheres would be of the same specified size and stature no matter whether the nations are represented by a large or small number of athletes.

Each spherical ball (the size of a large grapefruit) would be made by a child or young artist in their country of origin to represent each nation and could then be collected by a designated ambassador and flown into London via Heathrow.

The spheres could be displayed at Heathrow before being sent on to the East End of London to be cast in bronze as part of the sculpture. The critical point is that all of these spheres of energy and commitment are linked and related to one another. One dislodged (even the tiniest of nations) and the whole circle would be rendered unstable. However, a united and cohesive circle is strong and is a symbol for the hope of a harmonious world.

Michael believes in demonstrating to young people a positive spirit and energy. Capturing their mood and enthusiasm with the help of role models can maximise their ability, their potential and inspire them to have direction in life and to achieve their ultimate goals.

The figure of ‘Legacy’ in its entirety strives to encompass the past, present, and future essence of the Olympic dream to represent the positive legacy of the London 2012 Olympics.

Just completed a large Sculpture for Top International Golfer.

Currently working on two 8 ft Sculptures to be completed in the Spring.

Jeffry Archer’s new work soon to be shipped to Spain.

Look out for:-

1) ‘Focused’ in Gold Leaf - between London Bridge and CharingCross Station (inbound on right)
2) ‘Presence’ in Dover Street W1
3) ‘Equity’ Newham Surgical Centre, Newham

Lloyds TSB is the official banking and insurance partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Lloyds TSB is supporting the delivery of the London Olympics through a series of fine art exhibitions which will showcase the work of established and emerging British artists. Exhibitions will take place across the UK throughout the build up to 2012. Michael is delighted to have been chosen to participate in this prestigious programme.

Jeffrey Archer’s blog

"I also picked up a good bargain from Frost and Reed - their very shrewd director, Giles Baker Smith , saw me coming at 100 paces and skillfully guided me towards the piece knowing he'd got a sucker - such men should be shot. I also liked Michael Speller's sculpture, Secure, (pictured) which I'm thinking of putting in the garden. It was good to see the show so well attended."