Jonathan Kenworthy

Jonathan Kenworthy is widely acknowledged to be a leader in the field of contemporary animal sculpture. With a talent recognised at a young age, Kenworthy has always been an artist. He started modelling at four and by eleven had been on television and was attending the Royal College of Art. He later won a scholarship to the Royal Academy Schools, where he also won the Gold Medal for his sculpture and nine further scholarships.

During this period he studied anatomy at the Royal Veterinary College. His first sold-out exhibition in London meant that he could pursue his growing fascination with the chase in Africa. He flew to Kenya in 1965 and found the wide horizons and subjects to fuel his imagination for the next forty years.

He continued his studies of anatomy, working on wild animals at the University College in Nairobi. His initial interest in the life of the African Savannah broadened to take in the elegant nomads and, in later visits to Asia, he found the wild horsemen of the Hindu Kush and tiger in the jungles of Nepal.

His powerful modelling has a distinctive personal touch evoking a dramatic sense of movement in his bronzes. His breadth of vision can be seen in his range of subjects from Afghanistan, through Egypt to Africa. His perceptive eye brings a vivid reality to timeless moments. This articulate artist adds fresh depth of feeling to the vigourous sculptures and drawings he began in wild Africa. With integrity, great natural skill, and originality he has brought new life to bronze and has found a keen following amongst connoisseurs, collectors, and artists alike.