Antony Gormley
As an artist Antony Gormley’s work is deeply influenced by architecture and the concept of embodying space. Explore this and his first studio space from the RIBA Collections.
Angel of the North, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear (2004) by Photographer: Steve MayesRoyal Institute of British Architects
Transforming space
Exploring the relationship between the human body, the space it occupies, and our environments, Gormley's sculptures transform space. Transcending across architecture and landscape, his work mediates on themes including presence, absence and the human condition.
Inside Gormley's studio
In the mid-1980s, young architect Eric Parry was commissioned to design two studios on Bellenden Road, south London. The spaces would serve painter Tom Phillips and sculptor Antony Gormley, who both lived nearby, providing a creative hub for their artistic work.
Artists' studios, Bellenden Road, Camberwell, London (1989) by Architect: Eric Parry Architects and Photographer: Martin CharlesRoyal Institute of British Architects
Step inside Antony Gormley's first studio, captured in these photos from 1989. These images are now in the RIBA Collections, within the Architectural Press Archives. They provide a unique insight into the artist's early work and the spaces that nurtured his creativity.
Artists' studios, Bellenden Road, Camberwell, London (1989) by Architect: Eric Parry Architects and Photographer: Martin CharlesRoyal Institute of British Architects
Tucked behind a small opening between two shops, the studios were arranged around a central courtyard, spanning a gap in a row of terraced houses. Designed as a unified complex, but with discrete spaces and facilities to support the two artists' different creative practices
Gormley's studio, included a dark room and lead working studio, whilst Phillips' studio featured etching and painting studios, an exhibition space, and a library.
Artists' studios, Bellenden Road, Camberwell, London (1989) by Architect: Eric Parry Architects and Photographer: Martin CharlesRoyal Institute of British Architects
At the heart of the complex was Gormley's large, top-lit main studio. Its design avoided details such as architraves and skirtings, creating a sense of continuous space so that Gormley could fully play with perceptions of scale in his monumental work.
Artists' studios, Bellenden Road, Camberwell, London (1989) by Architect: Eric Parry Architects and Photographer: Martin CharlesRoyal Institute of British Architects
Captured on the walls of the studio were sketches of Gormley's ideas at the time. This studio is where Gormley developed his most famous work, Angel of the North.
Sound II sculpture, Winchester Cathedral Crypt, Winchester, Hampshire (2001-01-22) by James O Davies, English HeritageHistoric England
Sculpting Space
Gormley's sculptures bridge the gap between physical architecture and abstract space. His work explores how the human body interacts with its surroundings, creating a powerful visual dialogue. His sculptures act as embodiments of spatial thinking, transcending between art and architecture.
Explore more from RIBA Collections here.
All images are from RIBA Collections unless listed.
The rights from the majority of the photographs featured in this narrative are assigned to Martin Charles / RIBA Collections or the Architectural Press Archive.
Other images featured include:
Angel of the North, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. Rights: Steve Mayes / RIBA Collections
The RIBA + Grimshaw Foundation Annual Art Lecture first took place in 2022 and has seen artists such as Antony Gormley and Cornelia Parker explore themes around architecture in relation to their practice.
