Mark Stoddart
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Mark Stoddart (born 1960) is a Scottish sculptor and furniture designer. He is known for his glass topped coffee and dining tables which incorporate bronze sculptures. Having had a difficult schooling until his severe dyslexia was picked up, he has become an ambassador for those affected by the condition.
Early life
[edit]Born in 1960 in Troon,[1] he attended various schools until, at the age of twelve, teachers discovered he was dyslexic. He was then sent to Frewen College, a school in Sussex which offered specialised teaching.[2]
Career
[edit]After leaving school he returned to Scotland and in 1994 set up his own business, Sculpt Art Creations where he began to produce works inspired by his travels.[3][4][5] After some success, Sculpt Art gave way to the company that bears his name today, Mark Stoddart International Designer.
He has produced several table designs which feature a bronze cast sculpture acting as the base, appear to be emerging from the water surface, created by the glass.[6][7] Some of his designs were made to a limited edition of only 99.
In 2008 Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer purchased three tables that had horse-themed designs.[8]
Stoddart produced tables which featured a bronze sculpture of the Apollo Lunar Module as the base and a glass top inscribed with the words spoken by Neil Armstrong as he stepped onto the lunar surface in 1969. One of these tables is kept in the Scottish Parliament,[1] others were purchased by astronomer Sir Patrick Moore and American astronaut Buzz Aldrin.[2]
Other high-profile clients include, Eric Clapton,[9] the jockey Frankie Dettori and Elton John.[2]
In 2014 he retrieved a sculpture after a dispute over ownership with a local hotel.[9]
Charity connections
[edit]The 99th piece of his "Walk on the Wildside" table was auctioned in 2007 and the proceeds donated to a wildlife charity.[10] He has donated the sale price of seven works to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.[11]
He has worked as a dyslexia ambassador[12] and his story was included in the book "Dyslexia and Us: A collection of personal stories".[13]
Personal life
[edit]Stoddart now lives in Turnberry in Ayrshire. Stoddart owns a Gordon Keeble car, of which only 99 were ever produced.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Visiting The Parliament: Art Collection: Browse Collection by artist: Stoddart, Mark". Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ a b c "Animal attraction lures stars to Scots sculptor". Scotland on Sunday. 24 May 2008. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ Scott, Rebekah (18 November 2000). "East Coast style brings it all home". The Blade. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ "Sculpt Art Creations". sculptart.co.uk. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ Ryan, Justin; Colin McAllister (12 August 2000). "go business class". The Herald. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
Using one or two of his possessions as her starting point (like the cherrywood table in the living room, created by Scottish furniture designer Mark Stoddart who ...
[dead link] - ^ "Mark Stoddart: auction results". artnet.com. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ "33 inspirational examples of furniture design". Creative Bloq. 5 September 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ "Ayrshire artist's work snapped up by Saudi Prince". Ayrshire Post. 7 November 2008. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ a b Houston, Stephen (15 December 2014). "Hippo held hostage is reunited with its owner after row with top hotel". Ayrshire Post. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ "Mark Stoddart Print Raises over $15,000 for Conservation" (Press release). Worldwide Nature Artists Group. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ "Charity work". markstoddart.com. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ "Introducing... Dyslexia Scotland's Ambassadors" (PDF) (Press release). Dyslexia Scotland. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ^ Agnew, Susie; Smith, Elaine C.; Logan, Kenny; McNeill, Paul; Ellis, Hugh (2011). Dyslexia and Us: A collection of personal stories. ISBN 9781783332496.