Tawny Owl (Mixed Metals Finish)

Paul Harvey (1960 – 2023) was a British sculptor celebrated for his elegant bird forms and distinctive blend of naturalism and Art Deco design. His career combined a lifelong fascination with wildlife, particularly birds, with an enduring love of stylised form and balance.

Harvey began carving at the age of ten after discovering woodwork in primary school. Growing up surrounded by birds, many of which he kept in aviaries at home, he developed both a keen eye for avian anatomy and a respect for the grace and poise of his subjects. His early experiments with wood led to his first carving, a mahogany pheasant, which hinted at the refined sense of line and movement that would later define his mature style. 

Artistic Development 

After years of refining his skills as a craftsman, Harvey became a full-time sculptor, establishing his studio in the Hampshire countryside. His workspace overlooked a large pond that he and his wife transformed into a small wildlife sanctuary, providing constant inspiration and a living connection to his subject matter.

Although birds remained his primary focus, Harvey’s work evolved far beyond realism. He distilled each form to its essence, simplifying shapes and smoothing surfaces to create compositions that were simultaneously natural and architectural. This clarity of design reflected his admiration for the Art Deco movement, whose geometric purity and flowing rhythm harmonised perfectly with the natural curves of his avian subjects. 

Materials and Techniques 

Harvey worked in both bronze and cold-cast resin, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary casting methods. His cold-cast sculptures, made by blending metal powders such as bronze or copper with resin, allowed for high levels of detail while remaining accessible to a wider audience. He also produced limited editions in foundry-cast bronze, prized for their permanence and subtle patination. 

Recognition and Legacy 

Over the course of his career, Paul Harvey’s sculptures found homes in collections across the world. His refined aesthetic and gentle humour won admirers from all walks of life, including members of the British royal family. He exhibited widely at leading galleries and events, including the Chelsea Flower Show, and became a familiar name within contemporary British sculpture.

Harvey’s death in June 2023, following a short illness, marked the loss of a much-loved figure in the art world. His studio continues to operate under the guidance of his wife Sarah and their family, who remain dedicated to preserving and sharing his artistic legacy. They continue to produce and release his sculptures using his original moulds and designs, ensuring that his vision and craftsmanship live on for future generations. 

Style and Artistic Significance 

Paul Harvey’s sculpture is defined by harmony, rhythm, and restraint. Each piece captures the personality of the bird without unnecessary detail—an approach that turns observation into design and nature into art. His work stands as a testament to the idea that simplicity, when balanced with precision and empathy, can express both elegance and vitality.

Through his fusion of nature and design, Harvey leaves behind a legacy of timeless, uplifting sculpture that continues to inspire both collectors and fellow artists. 

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