Seated Nude

Eglin specialises in free-standing figures, almost invariably female nudes, and his work is rich in references both to ceramic traditions of the past and to painting, particularly Cranach and Masaccio. His figures can be seen as a modern continuation of the British ceramic tradition and he has particularly drawn inspiration from nineteenth century Staffordshire figures and flatbacks. Contemporary influences include the work of the potter Alison Britton and the graffiti-covered statues of his childhood home, Harlow New Town. The piece is constructed from a series of sheets of clay which are decorated with figurative images including transfer prints and graffiti-inspired decoration. Eglin's work is deliberately not signed or dated. Instead he provides clues through the images he selects. In this piece he has used a 1996 news item by applying transfer prints of newspaper pictures of Hugh Grant and Divine Brown.