Ben Russell British, b. 1986

Having first trained in Applied Architectural Stonework and Conservation at Weymouth College in Dorset, Ben Russell then went on to specialise in Historic Architectural Carving at City and Guilds of London Art School, where he won several awards for his work. Upon graduating, Russell gained work with several restoration, conservation, masonry and carving companies throughout London, where his work can be found upon such monuments and sites as Highgate Cemetery, the Houses of Parliament, the Albert Memorial and St George’s Chapel, Windsor. He was awarded a Duke of Gloucester Award in 2013 for his contribution to stone carving within the historic built environment.

 

Alongside traditional stonework, Russell has always created his own sculptural pieces, paying homage to the natural world. In 2017, he had a solo show at Hignell Gallery and since then he has relocated to his home county of Dorset, where he focuses mainly upon his own work, which he exhibits regularly. He also continues to take on commissioned work and has started to teach stone carving courses to help future generations discover a love for working stone and to help preserve this traditional skill. In 2019, he was a finalist for the National Sculpture Prize and in 2024, his work received the sculpture prize at the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition. His work is held in private collections throughout the UK, Europe, Hong Kong and the USA.