Peter Arkell
I am a sculptor working primarily in marble, alabaster, jasper, and onyx. These stones, with their enduring strength and natural beauty, form the foundation of my practice. I carve in the traditional way, using hammer and chisel, a method I studied through courses in Italy and London. This slow and physical process is central to my work: every strike of the tool is a negotiation between the resistance of the material and the expressive qualities I seek to reveal.
Much of my work focuses on the human figure and its capacity for expression. I am fascinated by how the unique qualities of each stone, its grain, translucency, or weight can influence the mood and presence of a piece. By choosing materials carefully, I allow their inherent character to guide the final form. Inspirations such as Emily Young, Auguste Rodin, and Henry Moore have shaped my understanding of the figure, yet my own practice is rooted in the dialogue I create with the material itself.
Alongside stone, I have also worked extensively with porcelain and clay. This medium offers a contrasting delicacy and introduces colour through glazing as an additional dimension. Despite their differences, both stone and porcelain demand a physical engagement that is central to my way of making.
My work has been shown regularly with the Society of Portrait Sculptors and the Chelsea Art Society in London, and it is held in several private collections. Exhibiting allows me to share not only finished pieces but also the ideas and processes that underpin them.
At its core, my practice is about exploring the expressive potential of form and material. Through traditional techniques applied to timeless substances, I aim to create sculptures that carry both physical presence and emotional resonance.
SOLD
SLAVE
Black Alabaster (50cm x 40cm)
JUPITER
White Alabaster (40cm x 30cm)
SEBASTIAN
Onyx (60cm x 30cm)
JASPER
Jasper (30cm x 20cm)
BIRTH
Marble (20cm x 20cm)
SUTHERLAND
Marble (20cm x 20cm)
TORSO AFTER PRAXITELES
Marble (70cm x 17cm)
LAGOTTO
Plaster (50cm x 50cm)
JOKER
Porcelain (30cm x 15cm)
DEVIL
Jasper (15cm x 10cm)
NEPTUNE
Sodalite (15cm x 10cm)
BERNINI
Gold Rock (20cm x 20cm)
ANNIE CHAPMAN
Marble (40cm x 20cm)
SALVATORE
Rock (80cm x 20cm)
ACHILLES
Jasper (15cm x 7cm)
FISHY LIPS
Onyx (20cm x 7cm)
FALLEN HERO
Brown Alabaster (40cm x 20cm)
SNAPPY DOG
Canon Parts (25cm x 5cm)
FRAULEINS
Porcelain (20cm x 5cm)
APHRODITE
French Limestone (80cm x 30cm)
HENRY
Plaster (100cm x 20cm)
THEUNIS
Terracotta (30cm x 15cm)
SAMUEL
Terracotta (30cm x 15cm)
HENRY (detail)
Plaster
MICHELANGELO
Ceramic (40cm x 20cm)
EMERGENCE
Green Stone (48cm x 30cm)
TOFFEE
Onyx (40cm x 30cm)
TIMMY
Glazed Porcelain
SALAD BOWL
Glazed Porcelain
Timmy
Porcelain
Glaze
Porcelain
Peace Dove
Marble
(70cm x 15cm)
Each piece represents a moment of creative exploration and emotional expression. Please get in touch if you would like to purchase works.
My portfolio spans over fifteen years of artistic experimentation, featuring works that challenge conventional boundaries between mediums and techniques. From vibrant abstracts that capture emotional landscapes to contemplative pieces that explore the fragility of existence, each creation emerges from a process of intuitive discovery rather than predetermined outcomes.
The collection showcases my dedication to Experimentalism's core principles—embracing spontaneity, celebrating productive failure, and discovering beauty in unexpected confluences of material and concept. Many works remain intentionally unfinished, inviting viewers to engage with the creative process itself rather than merely consuming a final product.
Custom commissions are considered on a case-by-case basis, with particular interest in collaborative projects that push the boundaries of traditional artistic practice.

Exhibitions & Achievements
Exhibitions
  • Society of Portrait Sculptors 2024
  • Society of Portrait Sculptors 2025
  • Chelsea Art Show 2024 & 2025
Awards & Recognition
  • St Andrews Art Prize 1987
  • Commendation for the Turnor Prize 2024
Connect
Original Artwork
Discover unique original pieces in my curated online gallery. Each artwork comes with a certificate of authenticity and includes a complimentary personal consultation for optimal display and lighting recommendations. For inquiries about commissions, availability, or private viewings, please contact me directly at peter@arkell.co.uk
I welcome collaborations and exhibition opportunities. Follow my journey on social media for studio insights, work-in-progress updates, and exhibition announcements.