Large Siren

Large Siren is a major work from a group of bronzes executed in the 1980s. It encompasses central themes in Turnbull's oeuvre, in particular his interest in the formal and evocative content of primitive art. Whereas the figures Turnbull made in the 1950s emphasised primitive strength and an almost crude surface texture, his more recent pieces have a smooth elegance and crisp outline whilst continuing the exploration of the theme of the goddess and the forms of archaic sculpture. Large Siren forms an important addition to the Hunterian's collection of contemporary work, which includes works by Paolozzi and Caro. This acquisition has a particular significance as the work of an internationally recognised Scottish artist.