Frailloop

Gavin Darby works with scrap metal to create unique pieces of sculpture. His inspiration comes from the shape of the found material which is transformed into birds, animals and flowers. If you can think of it, Gavin has probably made it. If not, you can commission him to create it for you.

Gavin is a self-taught sculptor. Having never regarded himself as particularly “arty” at school, he started his working life in a variety of catering establishments. After a sudden change in direction, he joined the Civil Service, working for the Insolvency Service and then for ACAS. As he says, “for a nosey parker it’s an interesting job!”

Along the way, he acquired a little steel hulled narrow-boat. The wooden engine cover rotted, and a nice steel replacement was in order, so he took an evening class learning how to weld. Whilst playing in the workshop, he took scrap pipe from the bin and made birds, because that was what he saw. It became clear that other people liked the resulting sculptures and a tiny artistic spark began to grow.