Frink, Dame Elisabeth (1930-1993), was a British sculptor noted for the solidity and strength of her work in bronze. Frink concentrated on natural forms and themes. Much of her work deals with masculine strength as portrayed in male nudes and menacing heads. Frink’s subjects also included birds, dogs, horses, flight, and religious themes. Much of her sculpture was intended to be displayed permanently outdoors. Frink was also an accomplished graphic artist, known for her etchings and lithographs. Typical of her early work is the popular Bird (1952). Running Man (1976) is an example of her male nudes.
Frink was born on Nov. 14, 1930, in Thurlow, Suffolk, and educated at the Convent of the Holy Family in Exmouth, Devon. From 1947 to 1953, she studied at the Guildford and Chelsea schools of art. She also taught sculpture at Chelsea and St. Martin’s schools of art and was visiting instructor at the Royal College of Art. She was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1982. She died on April 18, 1993.
