Amazing bronze sculpture by
Tobias Martin
Inside this brochure you will find QR codes just like this one next to each beautiful bronze. Please click to view a short film on each bronze
Tobias Martin We are delighted to present this exciting portfolio by Tobias Martin. Perfectly capturing the unique characteristic of each species Tobias has emerged as one of the leading animalier sculptors of the decade. Animals and mammals inspire his creations which he executes in bronze. His reputation is rapidly increasing with popularity across the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and the USA. Tobias has forged his own unique style which is enhanced by his tender observation and abundant admiration of the animal and mammal world. Each sculpture is a small worldwide limited edition, signed and numbered with a distinct patina adding an extra element of finesse. The result is a wonderful work of art to be appreciated and enjoyed.
22 & 23 St Marys Street Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1ED UK Tel: +44 (0) 1743 343452 UK Mobile: +44 (0) 7810 714545 USA Cell: +1 615 870 7639 art@callaghan-finepaintings.com www.callaghan-finepaintings.com Follow us @callaghansart
Tobias Martin (b.1972) Tobias Martin was born in 1972 in Wiltshire, 12 miles from Stonehenge. Influenced by his idyllic rural upbringing, and the forces of nature and magic that permeated his childhood surroundings, these works have something of the mystical about them. Each piece is approached with precise observation and an acute interest in the minutiae of the subject matter, manipulating the material with a delicacy and lightness of touch. Despite being realised in heavy materials such
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as bronze, the resulting piece achieves a sense of movement and character that conveys the essential spirit of the animal. Inspired by the work of Grinling Gibbons and Alfred Gilbert, Martin combines centuries old techniques with modern technology and materials. He has sculpted professionally for artists, film sets and exclusive interiors, as well as participating in numerous shows internationally including in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA.
Jumping Jack Height: 22” Edition of 12 Patina: Graduated brown, rich orange, whisperings of Alaskan white & green 5
The brown hare is Britain’s fastest land mammal, they can clock speeds of up to 45mph. Click to view a short film 6
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Sir Humphrey Height: 28” Edition of 12 Patina: Graduated brown, rich orange, whisperings of Alaskan white & green
I love the energy of hares. This iconic and mythic creature is a privilege to spot charging around in the early Spring mornings. Few animals are as switched on and alert to their surroundings as the hare. Tobias Martin
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‘If you could run as you drink, you might catch a hare’ George Herbert
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Tortoise Length: 22” Edition of 12 Patina: Dappled, graduated brown & green
I’ve always thought that there is something noble about these ancient creatures. This famous longlived reptile, seems to live life at a different pace. Tobias MArtin
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Shells have nerve endings, so tortoises can feel every rub, pet, or scratch ... and sometimes they love it
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‘Slow and steady wins the race’ Aesop’s Fables
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Nico Jnr Height: 10” Edition of 12 Patina: Dappled Brown, Green & Grey
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‘Nico’ one of the worlds oldest silverback gorillas, who once tipped the scales at 34 stone, lived on his own island in the middle of a lake at Longleat Safari Park in a purpose built, centrally-heated house, complete with classical pillars and his own television.
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Benji Height: 24” Edition of 12 Patina: Graduated Cream & Alaskan White
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When Polar Bears want to communicate with each other, either to say ‘Hello’ or to ask permission to share food, they touch noses!
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Elephant & Baby Height: 24” Edition of 12 Patina: Graduated, Dappled chestnut, grey & green
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‘If Elephants didn’t exist, you couldn’t invent one. They belong to a small group so unlikely that they challenge common sense’
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“Elephant in the Room” actually comes from a novel by Ivan Krylov, who described a man that went to a museum and noticed everything except the Elephant in the room!
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Cultures have been fascinated with Elephants for centuries, Caveman created wall paintings of them. The Romans created mosaics that depicted them and Leonardo Da Vinci was commissioned to a create a drawing for a European King.
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Whale & Calf Length: 33” Edition of 12 Patina: Graduated Blue & Dappled Alaskan White
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“The Whale call is the most complex composition on Earth, even if a scientist picks it apart, it will remain magic” Christopher Moore
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Probably my favourite subject is the mother humpback whale with her calf. I’m fascinated by the huge journeys they undertake traversing the oceans. Tobias Martin
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Rhino & Calf Length: 24” Edition of 12 Patina: Dappled, graduated brown, green, grey & blue
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Rhinos have existed for over 50 million years, making them one of the oldest existing species known to man.
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‘The only way to save a Rhinoceros is to save the environment in which it lives’. David Attenborough
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Nanook Length: 19” Edition of 12 Patina: Dappled brown & stylised graduated Alaskan Click to view a short film 38
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Polar bear fur is translucent, and only appears white because it reflects visible light. Beneath all that thick fur, their skin is jet black.
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Maximus Height: 14” Edition of 12 Patina: Dappled brown & stylised graduated Alaskan white
A female Polar Bear will have an average of 5 litters of cubs in her lifetime, two thirds of polar bear litters are twins!
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The bottom of a polar bear’s footpads are covered by small bumps, called papillae, which help them to grip the ice and avoid slipping. The tufts of fur between their toes also help with this task, making them “slip resistant.”
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Nico Height: 71” Edition of 5 Patina: Dappled green, grey, burnt orange & black 44
Gorillas usually live between 30 and 40 years in the wild and Longleat said it was “quite astonishing” for Nico, who was 5’10 tall, to reach the age of 56.
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Nico was a real local hero when I was growing up. A true character, no visit to Longleat safari park would be complete without spotting him on his private island. Capturing something of this lovable and grumpy old gorilla was a real joy. Tobias Martin
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Boxing Hares Height: 28” Edition of 12 Patina: Graduated brown, rich orange, whisperings of Alaskan white & green
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The boxing usually occurs when the male is being too persistent with a female, when she’s had enough she will turn around and try to fend him off with a fierce boxing punch! Click to view a short film 48
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Tobias Martin understands and is supremely able to express the power and beauty of the animals he portrays. Though many can capture something of the strength, grace and agility of these, our fellow creatures, it takes a real artist to convey the sense of inner being that we share with them. Martin’s work never patronises or sentimentalises, but reveals, with respect and sensitivity, a deep knowledge of, and wonder at, the animal kingdom in all its splendid variety. Tobias Martin’s sculptures of animals are very much part of this vital strand of human activity, reminding us of the beauty, wonder and variety of the creatures with whom we share this precious space. It is the particular characteristic of sculpture to communicate the weight, heft and texture of the physical world, the balance and dynamics of its living forms. Martin has the rare ability to instil within his chosen materials the inner being that so few artists have been able to capture. His sculptures express the dignity and gravitas of existence, and as we look at (or better, as we encounter) one of his works, for example, ‘Jumping Jack’ we experience something of the frisson of an actual encounter with those very creatures. Michael Howard Author
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Book your very own Private Viewing in the gallery or at your home Here at Callaghan HQ we have come up with a new exciting way for you to view the gallery on your own, at your own leisure without interruption. Welcomed by the Callaghan team to enjoy the gallery space privately and with the knowledge the gallery is closed to the public while you are there. Choose between a homemade Afternoon Tea Hamper with all the English classics or a Shropshire Picnic Lunch, all presented in a beautiful Callaghan Picnic Hamper. Just call the gallery or visit the website to check availability and leave the rest to us. 22 & 23 St Marys Street Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1ED UK Tel: +44 (0) 1743 343452 UK Mobile: +44 (0) 7810 714545 USA Cell: +1 615 870 7639 art@callaghan-finepaintings.com www.callaghan-finepaintings.com Follow us @callaghansart
22 & 23 St Marys Street Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1ED UK Tel: +44 (0) 1743 343452 UK Mobile: +44 (0) 7810 714545 USA Cell: +1 615 870 7639 art@callaghan-finepaintings.com www.callaghan-finepaintings.com Follow us @callaghansart