A life size plaster figure The Sea Urchins by Gilbert Bayes (1972 – 1953). Signed to the base Gilbert Bayes 1932. Depicting a woman kneeling on a rock having caught a Mer-boy in her net. Mounted on a black wooden base. Made as a central element for a fountain, originally with 2 smaller separate figures that would have gone either side of the fountain. The 2 other figures would have squirted water from their mouths onto this central figure. The mer-boy in the net of this central figure also has a hole and pursed lips as he also would have been a fountain. This same statue can be seen in the Gilbert Bayes book, page 161 shown in the picture below. Also shown in Bronze. Bayes was the artist responsible for the friezes for the Royal Doulton building on the South Bak of the Thames which has now been demolished. The friezes are now on show at the V & A Museum in London. This statue has come from the collection of the artist – Gilbert Bayes trust which was put up for sale by Sothebys in 2010. She measures a huge 55.5 inches (141cm) high. Condition is very good with a few minor insignificant surface cracks around the base and some differences in the patina due to age. NOT FOR SALE.
