While some artists, such as Damien Hirst (b. 1965) and Tracey Emin (b. 1963), actively seek all the publicity they can, others keep an almost too minimal profile. One such artist was Michael Gaspard Rizzello, OBE (1926-2004), who never courted publicity, preferring instead to work quietly. Paradoxically it is only now, following his death in London last September, that we have the opportunity to fully appreciate his significant legacy of over 500 sculptures spanning some sixty years. This comes via a unique retrospective exhibition, taking place between 12-20 April at the Mall Galleries (The Mall, London. Tel: 020 7930 6844), which will highlight his remarkable breadth of talent.

Rizzello was awarded a scholarship to the Royal College of Art when still a schoolboy but postponed this to take up a military commission in India and the Far East. When he did finally go to the College in 1947 his genius brought him a Drawing Prize, which was followed in 1951 by a major travelling scholarship and the Prix de Rome for sculpture. A passionate believer that life drawing is an essential artistic skill, Rizzello was inspired by nature, particularly the human form and by the works of the Renaissance master sculptors whom he studied extensively in Italy. He went on to become a leading creator of heroic bronzes, including the Welsh National Memorial Statue to Lloyd George in Cardiff, Sir Thomas Beecham at the Royal Opera House and Nelson Mandela at the Trades Union Congress headquarters. His other forte was designing coins and medals, which ranged from the 1981 Prince Charles and Lady Diana Wedding Crown to the Commemorative Medal for the Investiture of The Prince of Wales. Such important work brought him an OBE in 1977. A quiet and private man, he stepped away from public life in 1986 and worked mainly to private commission.

The Mall’s enlightening exhibition will offer limited edition reproductions of drawings at under £400, while sculptures, including previously unreleased private works, will range from under £1000 for domestic-sized bronzes to £45,000 for over-life size figures.

A member of the International Association of Art Critics, Anthony J. Lester is a writer, broadcaster and consultant on British art. He can be contacted by e-mail at anthonylester@fsmail.net