Metal Sculpture by Alan Williams
“Whether it’s the tentacles of an octopus, or the feather plumage of an osprey, I want you to feel the history of these objects as they are returned to life in a new form.”
Sea Life Sculptures
Octopuses, seahorses, fish and other marine forms feature heavily in Alan’s work.
Their fluid forms and intricate anatomy allow Alan to capture movement and character, transforming reclaimed objects into sculptures that seem to come alive.
Birds
Bird sculpture gives Alan room to work with very different forms, from the intricate plumage and watchful presence of an owl to the powerful wings and articulated feathers of birds of prey.
Fine detail in the feathers and foliage is balanced by an intense focus on expression, capturing each bird’s character down to the life in its eyes.
Animals & Wildlife
The energy and diversity of the animal world are recurring themes in Alan’s work, from the strength and presence of deer and big cats to the delicate forms of insects and smaller creatures.
An understanding of anatomy, movement and character underpins each sculpture, with careful attention to the structures and details that give each animal its distinctive form and sense of life.
Insects & Reptiles
Insects and reptiles are subjects that lend themselves to Alan’s intricate style of work. Segmented bodies, jointed legs and textured scales find their counterparts in the shapes and surfaces of reclaimed metal.
Careful attention to posture and detail gives each sculpture its distinctive character, capturing the tension of a creature poised to move.
Mythical Creatures
Dragons, phoenixes, and creatures from mythology let Alan venture beyond the natural world. Reclaimed steel, discarded machinery and unexpected fragments of metal become wings, scales, claws and fantastical forms.
Inspired by ancient legends but unmistakably his own, these sculptures bring strange, extraordinary creatures into the real world, giving forgotten materials a second life.
Figurative Sculpture
Alan’s figurative sculptures range from studies of the human body to stylised masks. Posture and expression give each work its character, with subjects drawn from life, history and imagination.
Reclaimed mechanical and industrial components are reshaped into the human form, from full figures and masks to anatomical studies and occasional portrait commissions.
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Original sculpture and commissioned work
Much of the work shown on this site was created as a commission and is now held in private collections or public and commercial spaces. A small number of sculptures may be available to purchase, with current availability shown on the individual artwork pages.
Alan accepts commissions of all sizes. You may already have a clear idea of the piece you would like to create, or simply a subject or idea that you would like to explore with Alan. A commission can also incorporate or be inspired by an object with personal significance.
If you are considering a commission, find out more about the commissioning process or get in touch with Alan to discuss your ideas.
Metal Sculpture FAQs
What materials does Alan Williams use in his sculptures?
Alan combines reclaimed mechanical and industrial components with forged steel. Tools, gears, bearings, chains and other objects are selected and worked to create the form and detail of each sculpture. Newly fabricated elements are also used where the sculpture requires them. Alan often incorporates objects with a personal signficance in private commissions.
Are the sculptures shown in the gallery available to buy?
Many of the sculptures shown were commissioned and are now in private collections or public and commercial settings. Availability is shown on individual artwork pages. If a particular sculpture interests you, contact Alan to ask about available work or discuss a commission.
How much does a metal sculpture cost?
Typical commission prices are £1,000–£2,500 for small sculptures, £3,000–£6,000 for medium-sized pieces and £6,000–£15,000 for larger works. Scale, complexity and construction all affect the price; a larger sculpture with less intricate detail can sometimes be made to suit a budget. Alan also accepts smaller commissions, with a minimum budget of £300.
Does Alan make metal sculptures to commission?
Yes. Alan accepts commissions of all sizes, from smaller personal pieces to large commercial and public installations.
He can also discuss incorporating client-supplied objects or materials where they are suitable for the work.
Are Alan’s sculptures made entirely from scrap metal?
No single material description applies to every sculpture.
Reclaimed mechanical and industrial components are an important part of Alan’s practice, but the work can also involve forged and newly fabricated steel and other materials needed for the structure and finish of an individual piece.
Can Alan’s metal sculptures be displayed outdoors?
Alan creates sculptures for gardens and other outdoor settings, as well as interiors. Some metal sculptures are designed and finished for outdoor use, but this should not be assumed for every piece.
Outdoor suitability depends on the materials, finish and fixing arrangements of the individual piece. If you are considering a sculpture for an outdoor space, contact Alan to discuss its intended location.
Where can I find out more about a particular sculpture?
Select a sculpture in the gallery to see further photographs and information about the work. If you would like to know more about a particular piece, please get in touch with Alan.
Can I see Alan’s sculptures in person?
Visits to Alan’s workshop near Henfield, West Sussex, are welcome by arrangement. Please get in touch with him beforehand to agree on a time and confirm which works will be available to view.
Start a Conversation About a Commission
I’m always happy to discuss a possible commission, large or small. Get in touch and tell me what you have in mind.