Dimensions: displayed: 750 x 390 x 240 mm, 15 kg
Copyright: © The estate of Bernard Meadows | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: Here we have Bernard Meadows’ bronze sculpture, *Spring ‘Seasons’ Cock*. The raw texture and dark finish give it a primal, almost aggressive feel. What cultural symbols resonate with you when you look at it? Curator: The cock, of course, is a potent symbol across cultures. It represents virility and the dawn of a new day. But in Meadows’ post-war Britain, do you think it also hints at resilience after destruction, a defiant cry amidst the ruins? Editor: That's a fascinating point! It definitely shifts my perspective. Seeing it as a symbol of hope and defiance in the face of adversity makes it even more compelling. Curator: Consider the angularity and the roughly worked surface. These aren’t just stylistic choices. They evoke a sense of unease, mirroring the psychological landscape of the time. Perhaps it’s not just spring’s renewal, but a struggle for rebirth. Editor: I hadn't thought about the emotional impact of the texture itself. Thanks, I learned a lot. Curator: Me too!
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http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/meadows-spring-seasons-cock-t07908
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Spring ‘Seasons’ Cock is one of the sequences of bird sculptures Meadows made during the 1950s. The vital tension of this piece comes partly from the distinctive, highly textured surface. The sculpture was roughed out in plaster on an armature and, when this had dried, the final form was modelled in further plaster which was wet enough to be malleable but dry enough to adhere. When tacky the plaster could be worked with a knife and with time could be carved. This technique was used extensively in Meadow’s work. Gallery label, February 2010
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