Silsden sculptor to show in a leading exhibition

Joseph Hayton’s bronze work will form part of next month’s Society of Portrait Sculptors exhibition in London.

The portrait is of an eminent fellow sculptor and friend, James Butler.

“I was introduced to James a couple of years ago,” said Mr Hayton, who lives at Silsden and creates his pieces from a workshop in Pateley Bridge.

“I’d been to see him at his studio in Warwickshire and when we got talking I asked if he would mind me sculpting a portrait of him, and he agreed.”

Mr Hayton started on the piece early last year, and had worked on it on-and-off since.

“I really enjoyed doing it,” said the 30-year-old.

“Portraits are a passion of mine.

“My background is in stonemasonry, so as well as working in bronze I use marble – which is quite a rarity these days – and stone.”

He was delighted when he discovered his work had been accepted for the London exhibition, which takes place at La Galleria Pall Mall, Mayfair, from May 14 to 19.

“The society does an open exhibition each year but it’s quite difficult to get your work chosen,” said Mr Hayton.

“I’m extremely pleased and proud.”

His interest in sculpting, and artwork generally, goes back to his childhood.

He was a pupil at South Craven School in Cross Hills, where art was his favourite subject.

And he also drew creative inspiration from his father, a joiner.

“I used to make clay pots in art classes so I suppose that’s when my sculpting began!” said Mr Hayton.

“I then stayed on in the sixth form and for a couple of years concentrated on art and sculpture.”

After leaving school he took-up a stonemasonry apprenticeship with a Keighley firm, Yorkshire Stone Craft, combining on-the-job training with studies at York College.

He worked as a stonemason for six years, before setting-up his workshop in the Dales.

“Stonemasonry was a great trade and I still enjoy working in stone,” said Mr Hayton.

“Stone and bronze complement each other.”

For more details about his work, visit josephhayton.co.uk.