Description

Cross-Arm Diver

Limited-Edition Bronze Sports Sculpture by John W. Mills

Artist: John W. Mills
Collection: Bronze Sports Collection
Medium: Cast bronze
Edition: 3 of 4
Finish: Rich dark-bronze patina
Base: Polished black marble
Dimensions: 60 × 48 × 20 cm
Price: Price on application
Delivery: Complimentary delivery within mainland UK

Cross-Arm Diver is an exceptional limited-edition bronze sculpture by distinguished British sculptor John W. Mills, capturing the power, balance and controlled movement of a competitive diver.

The athlete is portrayed in a moment of intense concentration, with crossed arms creating a compact, dynamic composition. Although the figure is cast in bronze, Mills creates a convincing sense of movement, suspension, and flight. The sculpture expresses both the physical strength of the diver and the precision, discipline and grace required by the sport.

A Celebration of Athletic Movement

Springboard and high-board diving have long fascinated John W. Mills. Through his studies of the human figure, he explores the challenge of translating speed, athleticism and weightlessness into three-dimensional form.

The diver’s carefully observed posture, defined musculature and controlled position give the sculpture a strong physical presence. Viewed from different angles, the figure reveals changing lines, shadows and contours, allowing the composition to be appreciated from every side.

“One of my favourite subjects to try to resolve as sculpture is that of springboard and high-board diving. The problems posed by this subject are expressing movement and grace, athleticism and style, and trying to convey the sensation of flight.”
John W. Mills

Individually Hand-Finished Bronze Sculpture

Cast in bronze and finished with a deep, dark patina, Cross-Arm Diver has a rich and tactile surface that responds beautifully to changing light. Highlights across the figure contrast with the deeper shadows, emphasising the sculpture’s movement, anatomy and sculptural detail.

Each bronze in this small edition is individually hand-finished and patinated by John W. Mills. Natural variations in tone and surface give every sculpture its own distinctive character, making each example unique within the edition.

The polished black marble base provides an elegant visual contrast to the bronze while giving the sculpture stability and presence. Its refined presentation makes the work suitable for a contemporary home, a private collection, a corporate interior, a sports institution, or a specialist collection of British sculpture.

A Rare Collectable Bronze by John W. Mills

With an edition limited to only four sculptures, Cross-Arm Diver offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire an important example of British figurative and sporting sculpture.

The work brings together the defining qualities of John W. Mills’ sculpture: his understanding of anatomy, sensitivity to human movement and ability to capture a fleeting moment in a lasting material. It is an expressive celebration of ambition, courage, athletic excellence and the timeless beauty of the human form.

The sculpture is supplied with: