For a better future, study the past.
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For a better future, study the past.
One of the joys of London is just walking around with open eyes. There is so much to see. It may be the Blue Plaques on buildings, it may be a small marker on a structure, or maybe you will find a war memorial that most just walk by. Or perhaps like we recently did, you will come across a unique piece of art. Young Dancer created by sculptor Enzo Plazzotta is well worth searching out if you are in the Covent Garden area.
We had visited London several years ago and stumbled by Bow Wow London, a unique pet store that allowed us the chance to shop for our dogs. The owners were so nice to us we knew we had to make a return visit on our next trip to the city. After stopping in and purchasing a truly unique collar for our dog, we were walking around in Covent Garden when we crossed paths with an incredible sculpture; Young Dancer, created by the Italian artist Enzo Plazzotta.
Enzo Plazzotta was born in Mestre, Italy on May 29, 1921. Plazzotta studied sculpture and architecture at the Accademia di Brera in Milan, under the guidance of Giacomo Manzu.
Unfortunately, World War II interrupted Plazzotta’s studies. During the war, he became a Partisan leader near Lago Maggiore. Once hostilities ended, Enzo returned to school where he was to receive a commission from the Italian Committee of Liberation. After he presented his work to the recipient in London, he took up residence in the city.
While portrait sculpture paid the bills, Plazzotta was more interested in movement; a theme he was able to highlight in subjects such as horses and dancers. The Chris Beetles Gallery describes Plazzotta’s work, “Through his studies and adaptations of mythology and classical Christian themes he was able to convey great power and emotion encompassing the frequent vain striving of mankind.”
Plazzotta was to live only sixty years, passing away on October 12, 1981. Six and a half years after his death, the Westminster City Council and the Plazzotta estate unveiled Young Dancer on May 16, 1988. The beautiful bronze sculpture shows a young, female dancer, seated on a stool. Her right leg bent slightly at the knee, points to the ground with her toe just touching. Her left leg is across the right with her hands resting on it. The dancer has a calm look and appears to be resting. If you, or a member of your family study ballet or other forms of dance, this sculpture will make you smile.
Behind the Young Dancer is a row of iconic red telephone booths bringing you back to the reality that you are in a large city.
Young Dancer is located on Broad Street just off of Bow Street, opposite the Royal Opera House in the Covent Garden district.
The Estate and Copyright of Enzo Plazzotta is exclusively owned by the Chris Beetles Gallery.
For sales and enquires please contact the Gallery.
If you are in London be sure to keep your eyes open for the many blue plaques that adorn buildings denoting a famous person had something to do with the building. Take a look at my blog post that reviews a book highlighting more than 400 blue plaques.
