John Bridgeman (1916-2004), Manipulator, c.1950

Manipulator, c.1950

 

Bronze

 

Given by Jane Bridgeman and M.A. Michael,  2024

 

The sculptor John Bridgeman studied at the Colchester School of Art and the Royal College of Art. His studies were interrupted by the Second World War. A conscientious objector, Bridgeman worked for the Civil Defence Service rescuing people bombed during the Blitz.  

Bridgeman created figures with distorted heads some devil-like and others suggesting a mutant form of humanity. The most disturbing of all these figures is one he named (against his normal practice) the Manipulator. The word itself suggests a sinister distortion of humanity that has consciously deviated from its natural behaviour. The gesture of the figure, with right arm extended and palm held flat towards the viewer, suggests a signal to stop.