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Notes

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A long Art UK Art Detective discussion from 2019 to 2023 eventually received family information that this bust of the local painter Helen Bradley was made, presumably in clay, in the 1970s by a ‘student’ whose name has now been lost and that it was only later cast in bronze as a gift which initially ‘remained in private ownership’. If only one bronze was made this is it, later given to Oldham, but that is not certain. ‘Helen Bradley’ was inscribed in the clay, in script fairly similar to her written signature, which led to early misdirection that it might be a self portrait, though without any other evidence that she sculpted. The name is followed by a so-far undeciphered symbol (an inverted ‘V’ with wings, suggesting an angel) that may be the artist’s mark.

Gallery Oldham

Oldham

Title

Helen Bradley (1900–1979)

Date

mid-1970s–late 1970s

Medium

bronze & wood

Measurements

H 20 x W 19 x D 20 cm;
Plinth: H 4 x W 14.7 x D 14.7 cm

Accession number

2010.123

Acquisition method

gift

Work type

Bust

Art Detective discussions

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Who sculpted this portrait head of artist Helen Bradley (1900–1979)?

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Gallery Oldham

Greaves Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester OL1 1AL England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.

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Artist or maker

unknown artist

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