Vintage Bronze Sculpture by Gordon Hammond Smith

Details

Description

Vintage table top sculpture crafted in solid bronze affixed to a black lucite base. Body of sculpture features three overlapping, … Read more Vintage table top sculpture crafted in solid bronze affixed to a black lucite base. Body of sculpture features three overlapping, semi-circular bronze sections with a texturized and patinated bronze surface in green and brown hues. Artist signature engraved on outer edge. Engraved artist signature along interior edge signed "Gord" on the front face near the base.

Artist Profile:

Gordon Hammond Smith (October 8, 1937 – November 4, 2023) was a prominent Canadian sculptor, considered one of the leading figures in postwar Canadian sculpture. Born in Montreal, he was known for his geometric metal and wood sculptures, which showcased a diverse range of styles inspired by music, nature, and other themes. His training in architecture and engineering at Sir George Williams University (1956–1959) and his early welding experience, learned from his brother, informed his technical mastery and innovative approach to metalwork.

Smith’s career highlights include:
Early Work and Recognition: At age 21, he received his first commission for a copper sculpture at the Fraser-Hickson Library in Montreal (1959). In 1967, he was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and created the monumental Canada Screen for Expo 67, a 110’ x 12’ cor-ten steel piece weighing 13 tons, with its study now in the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal’s permanent collection.

Public Commissions: From the 1980s, Smith produced over 30 public artworks for institutions in Canada and the U.S., including a large-scale bronze sculpture for Bell Canada (1980) and Triptych (1983), a trio of bronze pillars for A.E. LePage (now Royal LePage), valued at over $440,000, located near the Art Gallery of Windsor.

Notable Works: His 1968 sculpture Jury at Dalhousie University’s Weldon Law Building and Sails (1982) at Toronto’s Weston Centre exemplify his ability to convey movement and intensity. A 1977 Ottawa Citizen review praised Triptych for evoking strength and struggle, describing the figures as “one hell of a fighter.”

Teaching and Legacy: Smith taught as an assistant professor at the University of Victoria (1972–1975) and as a visiting professor at McMaster University (1993–1994). His works are held in major collections, including the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal.

Market Value: Auction records show his bronzes, like Sophisticated Lady (30” tall, 2020) and Cross (10” tall, 2015), fetching significant prices (CAD 7,500), reflecting his market prominence.

Smith died at 86 in 2023, leaving a legacy of dynamic sculptures that blend technical precision with expressive power.

Artist: Gordon Hammond Smith

Origin: Canada

Year: 1960s

Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light age and use related wear. One small flea bite crack to corner of lucite base as seen in photos. See less