Self Portrait: The Eyes Within

Bill Mitchell's life and work are explored in this book, from his early career in hospitals to his later commissions and experiments with materials and methods. He gained commissions from famous architects and created innovative finishes, including the bronze sculpted doors and Portland Stone frontispiece of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. He has had nine works of art listed Grade II by English Heritage, and was offered the position of Adviser to the Amir's Office on Art and Design. His zest for life, love of London, determination to cover the world with sculptures, murals and decoration, and dislike of minimalism and the established art world are main themes. He designed the Egyptian Hall and Escalator, the notorious Michael Jackson statue, and the Self Portrait, which reveals the man as a creative genius with a smile and comic story.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2023
Publisher: Whittles Publishing

Bill Mitchell's life and career are explored in this narrative, from his early hospital stay to his later success as an artist. He discusses the challenges of gaining commissions, experimenting with materials and methods, and his unwavering dedication to producing magnificent works of art. Mitchell's early eye for composition, color, and texture is evident, and he describes how he saw the world as saturated in color, textures, and shape, finding glamour and beauty in what others might dismiss as bleak London streets. After completing college and serving in the war, Mitchell worked as a consultant for the London County Council, where he was given free rein to create innovative finishes. This led to work with famous architects such as Basil Spence and Sir Freddie Gibberd, who designed the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, where Mitchell created the famous bronze sculpted doors and designed the Portland Stone frontispiece. He also produced the Stations of the Cross at Clifton Cathedral, Bristol, and the Grade II listed Corn King and Spring Queen figures at Wexham, which are examples of his powerful and bizarre imagination. Mitchell has had a total of nine works of art listed Grade II by English Heritage, more than any other artist. Following completion of work at Qatar's zoo, he was coerced into producing something prestigious for the Queen and Prince Philip's visit to the State. With a tight schedule, the garden at Shayhania for the Oryx with its pools, waterfalls, and sculpted hills was completed in six weeks and was a massive success. He was offered the position of Head of Art at the Royal College of Art, which he accepted.

Weight: 1024g
Dimension: 210 x 284 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849955690
Edition number: New ed