Bronze on marble base, 1971. 324x117 mm; 12¾x4⅝ inches. Edition of 7. Incised with the artist's initials, date, title, and numbered "6" on the underside.
Mitchell (1912-1993), born in Middlesex, spent most of his childhood in South Wales and recalled becoming interested in art at a young age. After leaving grammar school at 16 years old, Mitchell eventually found employment with a commercial art studio, though this work was not stable. In 1930, Mitchell and his brother abandoned Swansea to renovate a relative's cottage in St. Ives in Cornwall, where Mitchell became more focused on art making. Mitchell became involved in the thriving art scene in the small seaside town. After his wartime service as a miner, Mitchell was inspired to use his tools to make art. From 1949 to 1959, Mitchell worked as Barbara Hepworth's (1903-1975) primary assistant, a post which further exposed Mitchell to the sculptural process. After leaving Hepworth's studio, Mitchell began creating polished abstract bronze works, which gained him international notoriety. In 1967, Mitchell moved from St. Ives to Newlyn, where he lived and worked for the rest of his long and successful career. Mitchell's sculptures are held in the collections of many public and private international institutions, including the Tate Gallery, London, National Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, National Gallery of Wellington, New Zealand, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
