Object Description
Monkeys on a sphinx head.
Bronze, signed and dated 1920
Lost wax casting, possibly unique.
Provenance : The artists collection by decent to the previous owner.
Richard Garbe was born in London the son of a craftsman carver of ivory and horn. He worked in marble bronze wood and ivory. He studied at the Central School of Arts and Crafts and The Royal Academy Schools.
He exhibited at the RA from 1898, he was elected ARA in 1929 and RA in 1936.
Professor of sculpture at the Royal Collage of Art from 1929-1946.
During the 1930’s he collaborated with Doulton making a number of ceramic sculptures.
Although Garbe practiced and taught modelling he was primarily a carver. He was highly influenced by Chinese carvings in jade and crystal also the forms of Japanese netsuke. This oriental influence can be seen in much of his work, especially his later art deco pieces.
He has works in the Tate Gallery and Victoria & Albert museum.