Gill Parker
Gill Parker is one of the most acclaimed animal sculptors of our time. An accomplished horsewoman, Gill's work clearly demonstrates her passion for horses. Yet her work is remarkably versatile in both subject matter and size – from equestrian subjects, to British wildlife, big game and family pets. Gill lives and works in a beautiful part of rural Gloucestershire, along with a various assortment of animals. Gill also breeds and shows American Quarter Horses with which she has won numerous European and National championships. It was whilst studying art at South Wilts Grammar School in Salisbury that Gill was first introduced to sculpture. Choosing not to go into further education, she tried several career paths, before taking up sculpture again. In May 1983 Gill took her first bronzes to London where they were bought by Garrards and Asprey. Early support and encouragement from the Sladmore Gallery led to her first one woman show in November 1984. Since then she has become a leader in the field of equine and wildlife sculpture. With many major commissions to her name including the life-size bronze Motivator at Ascot Racecourse. Gill’s sculpture is eagerly sought by art collectors around the world and is in many public, private and Royal collections, including Sheik Mohamed, Jeremy Tree, Sheik Khalid Abdullah, Lord and Lady Baden-Powell, Pierce Brosnan, Noel Edmunds, Frank Sinatra, Margaret Thatcher, Richard Dunwoody, Pat Eddery, Anthony Andrews, Ian Stark, John Dunlop, Henrietta, Duchess of Bedford, Lord and Lady Russell, Mr and Mrs Seb Coe, HM The Queen, Lord Harris, Lord Kirkham, Duke of Bedford, Dubai Royal family and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Collectors of Gill's work make a solid investment in art of timeless quality, tactile and visual beauty, and fine craftsmanship. Awards and Prizes of Gill Parker 1992 Presidents Medal 1992 British Sporting Art Trust Award for Sculpture 1997 British Sporting Art Trust Award for Sculpture 1999 British Sporting Art Trust Award for Sculpture 2005 British Sporting Art Trust Award for Sculpture Gill is a member of the Society of Equestrian Artists “I don’t make sculpture to shock, make statements, or needing explanation, I want to make sculpture that is a ‘standalone’ thing of beauty, based on the perfect forms of nature” — Gill Parker, Equestrian & Wildlife Sculptor
Capturing the Spirit of Wildlife in Bronze When it comes to wildlife sculpture, few artists have mastered the ability to capture the essence and energy of animals quite like Gill Parker. Known for her dynamic and lifelike bronze sculptures, Gill’s work reflects a deep admiration for the natural world, and a unique ability to portray animals in their most powerful and graceful forms. Whether it's the commanding presence of a horse, the stealthy prowess of a wolf, or the raw strength of a lion, her pieces resonate with vitality and motion. Parker’s sculptures are celebrated for their dynamic realism. Her ability to capture even the most subtle details of muscle movement, posture, and expression stems from hours of careful observation. Watching animals in their natural habitat or studying their anatomy, Gill invests significant time in understanding the unique characteristics of each species she sculpts. Gill Parker also breeds and shows American Quarter Horses with which she has won numerous European and National championships. Her knowledge of horses and her equestrian sculptures, in particular, have earned her worldwide recognition, with many major commissions to her name, including the life-size bronze of the racehorse Motivator at Ascot Racecourse in the United Kingdom. Horses, with their innate power and elegance, serve as a constant source of inspiration for Gill . She excels in portraying the intricate balance of strength and beauty that horses embody— whether galloping in full stride or standing majestically still. Her knowledge of equine anatomy, combined with her artistic finesse, results in sculptures that exude both realism and artistry. What sets Gill Parker apart is not just with her technical skill but her ability to evoke emotion through her art. Each sculpture captures more than the animal's physical appearance; it conveys the essence of its spirit. The movement in her pieces is palpable—you can feel the tension of a cheetah about to sprint or the grace of a stag standing tall and alert in the wilderness. This is what draws collectors and wildlife enthusiasts to her work; they don’t just see an animal—they experience it. Gill say’s “I don’t make sculpture to shock, make statements, or be needing of explanation, I want to make sculpture that is a ‘standalone’ thing of beauty, based on the perfect forms of nature." Her sculptures, cast in bronze, are designed to endure—much like the timeless beauty of the creatures she sculpts.