This is an exceptional example of Lynn Chadwick’s early, vital Beasts. With a rich patina this powerful sculpture, made the same year Chadwick won the Venice Biennale ahead of Alberto Giacometti, captures the primal energy that is so often expressed in Chadwick’s early work.

Beasts were a theme continuously re-visited by Chadwick throughout his career be it in iron and composition, bronze or later, stainless steel . ‘Beast VII’ 1956, is one of Chadwick’s earlier explorations of the theme and reveals his signature skilful welding, left exposed like an exoskeleton, and then infilled with Stolit to give the work an intriguing, almost ancient, surface texture. Indeed, Chadwick’s interest in Palaeolithic sculpture inspired by childhood visits to the British Museum may have had an influence on the pose of Beast VII when we look at the similarities of pose compared to the Montastruc throwing spear held within its collection.