Breaking the Mould – Celebrating Cumbria’s talented sculptors
BREAKING THE MOULD
Celebrating Cumbria’s talented sculptors.
by Danielle Murphy
This month, we’re stepping beyond the brush to shine a light on a different kind of artistry, one that’s equally beautiful, incredibly detailed, and often overlooked. Sculpture is a craft that demands not only creativity, but countless hours of shaping, casting, carving, and refining.
In this special feature, we introduce three remarkable Cumbrian sculptors who bring their visions to life using a dazzling variety of materials, from wax and bronze to felted wool and rare breed fibres.
Let’s meet the makers…
Kirsty Armstrong
Animal Sculptor, Brampton
Based in the heart of Brampton, Kirsty Armstrong brings the wild and wonderful world of animals to life through her detailed and expressive sculptures. Her most well-known work, Max The ‘Miracle’ Dog, was cast in bronze to honour a local legend—and began as a lovingly sculpted wax original. Her portfolio includes beautifully observed pieces like Harriet Hare in cold-cast iron and Erik, an otter pup sculpture in cold-cast bronze.
She also captures the spirit of native wildlife in works like ‘Hope’, a hand-painted resin red squirrel wall sculpture, and her latest piece, ‘Nestor’ the Wren, which is currently being moulded and will be released as a limited edition in cold-cast metals.
Mark Hamilton
Sculptor, Carlisle
Carlisle-based sculptor Mark Hamilton blends movement, mood, and memory into his work. From the windswept branches of Japanese Maple and Windswept Oak, to the swirling emotion of Moonswept, his sculptures evoke the wild energy of nature.
He also brings a bold artistic voice to public art, as seen in Dixon Chimney – Van Gogh style and his atmospheric piece Stormy, Stormy Night. Each work tells a story of Cumbria’s landscape, weather, and whimsy.
www.facebook.com/markhamiltonandthesmallheavyirontableco
Sally Bonnie
Fibre Sculptor, Teacher & Wool Advocate
A passionate fibre artist and teacher, Sally Bonnie works from her studio in Cumbria using rare breed and sustainable UK wools—especially the much-loved Herdwick. Her tactile sculptures honour memory, tradition, and connection.
One of her recent creations, Elsie, was inspired by a beloved aunt and featured in the International Feltmakers Association exhibition on “Connections.” Through her hands, wool becomes a medium for storytelling, supporting ethical farming and breathing life into soft, soulful figures.
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