Sir Eduardo Paolozzi RA (1924 - 2005), Scottish

“This is another painting by Joe Hendry exploring the theme of the kilted Scottish figure. The man is shown from behind, hands clasped behind his back, standing quite calmly on the canvas.

What I like about this one is its simplicity. There’s nothing complicated about it — just a figure, a kilt, and a quiet bit of attitude. Hendry manages to make something very Scottish feel fresh and contemporary at the same time.”

Sir Eduardo Paolozzi RA (1924–2005) was a Scottish sculptor, printmaker and designer widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Pop Art. He was born in Leith, Edinburgh, to Italian immigrant parents, who ran a confectionery and ice-cream business.

Paolozzi initially studied at the Edinburgh College of Art (1943–44) before continuing his training at St Martin’s School of Art in London (1944–47) and later at the Slade School of Fine Art (1947–49). During the late 1940s he became part of the circle of artists and intellectuals associated with the Independent Group, whose discussions about mass culture, technology and media played a crucial role in the development of early Pop Art.

One of Paolozzi’s most famous early works is the collage I Was a Rich Man’s Plaything (1947), which is often cited as one of the earliest works of Pop Art for its use of imagery drawn from American advertising, comics and popular culture.

Throughout his career Paolozzi worked across sculpture, printmaking, collage and design. His sculptural works frequently explored themes of technology, machines and the human body, often combining mechanical and organic forms. He also produced an extensive body of screenprints and artist’s books, many of which examined the relationship between art, science and modern culture.

Paolozzi held several important academic posts, including Professor of Sculpture at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste in Hamburg (1960–1962) and later Professor of Sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich (1981–1989). In 1979 he was elected a Royal Academician (RA).

His work is held in major international collections including the Tate, the Museum of Modern Art (New York) and the Victoria and Albert Museum. In Edinburgh, Paolozzi’s large mosaic installation at Tottenham Court Road Underground Station in London (1984–1986) and sculptures such as Vulcan at the Royal Scottish Academy reflect his lasting public legacy.

Knighted in 1989, Sir Eduardo Paolozzi remains one of the most influential Scottish artists of the twentieth century and a central figure in the development of Pop Art and modern sculpture.