Laura Ford (b. 1961)

‘Ford’s creatures are faithful representations of fantasy and, at times, a nightmarish imagination.'

Laura Ford is well-known for her portrayals of animals, with which she explores aspects of the human condition. She describes her work as 'sculptures dressed as people who are dressed as animals'. Bittersweet and menacing qualities are often mixed with tenderness.

Soft fabrics, materials and found objects usually make up Ford's work. She participated in the British Art Show 5 in 2000, and represented Wales in the 51st Venice Biennale in 2005. In 2015, her sculptures filled the gardens and gothic rooms of Strawberry Hill House in the first contemporary exhibition ever held there, and are currently on view at Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal. Ford’s work is in many public collections, including Tate, V&A, Government Art Collection and National Museums and Galleries of Wales.