Gilbert William Bayes Paintings

Gilbert William Bayes was an English sculptor known for his contributions to public sculpture and his work in the New Sculpture movement, which sought to break away from the traditional approaches of the 19th century. Bayes was born on April 9, 1872, in London, to a family with a strong artistic background—his father was a notable painter, Alfred Walter Bayes.

Bayes was educated at the City and Guilds of London Art School, and he later continued his studies at the Royal Academy Schools. Early in his career, he developed a style that incorporated elements of classicism with a more dynamic and expressive approach that was characteristic of the New Sculpture movement. This movement was spearheaded by artists who wanted to introduce more emotive and naturalistic elements into sculpture, responding to and rejecting the neoclassical and Victorian styles that had been prevalent.

Throughout his career, Bayes was well-regarded for his architectural sculptures, war memorials, and smaller figurines. He worked extensively with a variety of materials, including bronze, stone, wood, and ceramics. Among his most famous works are the Queen of Time clock above the entrance of Selfridges department store on Oxford Street in London, and the elaborate World War I memorial at the Royal Artillery Memorial in Hyde Park Corner.

Bayes was also known for his decorative panels and friezes, which often featured allegorical and mythological themes. His work displayed a mastery of form and detail, and he was skilled at imbuing his figures with a sense of movement and vitality.

Aside from his practical work in sculpture, Bayes took on a number of teaching positions and was actively involved in the art community. He was a member of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, serving as its president from 1939 to 1944. His influence extended through his teaching at the Royal College of Art and other institutions, where he helped shape a new generation of sculptors.

Gilbert William Bayes passed away on July 10, 1953. His legacy continues, not only in his public works that still adorn various locations in the UK but also through the Gilbert Bayes Award, established by the Royal Society of British Sculptors, which supports young sculptors at the start of their careers.