Anthony Caro: The Inspiration of Architecture

Anthony Caro: The Inspiration of Architecture focuses on the resurgence and development of architectural themes within Caro’s sculpture, comprising 16 key works created between 1983–2013. The pieces explore contained space and its relation to the human figure; architectural features such as passages, doors and steps in the form of sculpture; the use of specific materials – notably Caro’s use of coloured Perspex, which echoes Soane’s use of stained glass, as well as steel, wood, concrete, stoneware and brass; and the relationship between exterior and interior areas.

A highlight of the exhibition is The Child’s Tower Room (1983-84), the earliest work on display, which breaches the boundaries between sculpture and architecture with spiral steps and hidden chambers. It proved to be extremely popular with children and young adults climbing inside and exploring the piece, interacting with sculpture in ways many had never had the chance to experience before.

Anthony Caro: The Inspiration of Architecture was on display at Pitzhanger Manor House & Gallery, from 8 March until 10 September 2023. Find out more at pitzhanger.org.uk.

Anthony Caro (1924-2013) is widely regarded as one of the 20th century’s most influential sculptors. He heralded a revolution in sculpture in the 1960s, redefining what sculpture was and what it could be.

Caro’s abstract constructions in painted steel overturned conventional ideas about materials, methods, surface, scale and space. Architecture was an important source of his inspiration, which he described as “perhaps the purest abstract visual form.”

Anthony Caro: The Inspiration of Architecture opened at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery on what would have been the artist’s 99th birthday.