This sculpture, entitled Ascending Form, was created by Moelwyn Merchant, a man of many talents, who was Professor of English at the University between 1961 and 1974.

About the Sculpture

This striking sculpture, fashioned from teak, creates a gentle sense of movement as the five rounded sections gradually change direction as they ascend. The pieces are carved, perhaps to look like a hull of a boat, taken upwards by the crest of a large wave.

Ascending Form is one of two sculptures presented to the University in 1984 by the sculptor. You can see the sculpture on permanent display in the West Wing Foyer of the Queen's Building, Streatham Campus, just next to the new Arts and Culture display space.

About the Artist

Born in Port Talbot in 1913, Moelwyn Merchant’s first language was Welsh. He was educated at University College Cardiff, before going on to teach, firstly at the University of Wales, and then at the University of Exeter where he was appointed Professor and Head of English. After leaving Exeter he taught at the University of Chicago and delivered lectures in many countries including the United States, Germany, India and Russia.

Moelwyn Merchant was also a very effective preacher as well as a teacher. Having been ordained as a deacon in 1940, the Anglican church played an important part in his life. He was Canon and Chancellor of Salisbury Cathedral from 1967 - 73, before returning to his native Wales in 1974 when he took up the post of vicar of Llandewibrefi where he would have preached in his native Welsh. He retired in 1978 and passed away in 1997.

A man of many talents, not only was Merchant an academic and a clergyman but also had a creative impulse throughout his life – he published poetry and a novel, and later in life took up sculpture, inspired and encouraged by Dame Barbara Hepworth who was a close friend. He worked creatively with other artists such as sculptor and printmaker Elizabeth Frink, composer Alun Hoddinott and painter Kyffin Williams and was friends with many other creative people including the poet Ted Hughes. His sculptures can be seen in several notable institutions around the UK and are still popular today.

Moelwyn Merchant was a man who showed great enthusiasm for learning, creativity and life.

More information about the artist here.

See a portrait of Moelwyn Merchant here.

You can see Ascending Form and two other sculptures by Moelwyn Merchant when you visit the Sculpture Walk on the University's Streatham Campus.