Richard Deacon

Published in 1983 by the Orchard Gallery, this volume serves as a foundational catalog documenting the early career and sculptural methodology of British artist Richard Deacon. The book emerged during a pivotal period for Deacon, coinciding with his burgeoning reputation as a key figure in the New British Sculpture movement. It captures his exploration of materials such as laminated wood, steel, and vinyl, which signaled a shift away from the minimalist rigor of the previous decade toward more organic, expressive, and assembly-based forms.

The publication was designed to provide critical context for Deacon’s intricate, curvilinear sculptures, which often blurred the lines between industrial manufacture and hand-crafted construction. The editorial approach reflects the contemporary interest in articulating the relationship between physical form and linguistic metaphor, a hallmark of Deacon's practice. As an early survey of his work, it is regarded by art historians and curators as a essential reference for understanding the evolution of his 'fabricating' technique and his influence on the European art scene in the 1980s.