About
Paul Harvey was a celebrated sculptor whose work continues to inspire art lovers around the world. He passed away peacefully at home on June 14, 2023, after a courageous battle with a brain tumour. His legacy lives on through his family, Sarah and Christian, who continue to run the business and share his beautiful sculptures with the world. Nestled in the Hampshire countryside, his studio remains a hub of creativity and inspiration.
Early Life
Paul had been sculpting since the age of ten, having been introduced to woodcarving at primary school, one of his earliest carvings below, a pheasant was carved out of mahogany and demonstrates how his contemporary take on birds started to develop.
Birds had been an interest of his from an early age. Having kept numerous species in aviaries, he was naturally drawn to carving them in wood. However, their delicate features did not easily lend themselves to woodcarving. The forms had to be simplified — a process that aligned beautifully with his other great interest, Art Deco design.
From this, Paul developed his contemporary bird sculptures in clay and wax. The simplified, flowing forms translated exceptionally well into bronze and resin casting, allowing for a smooth, tactile finish and a rich variety of colour.
Achievements
As a decorated artist, Paul Harvey had the privilege of showcasing his work at numerous prestigious venues, including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, RHS Rosemoor, Doddington Hall and Gardens, and Hidcote Gardens. He also participated in the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation competition, and his works have found homes with many notable figures, including the Royal family. Over the past 25 years, his art has been celebrated and exhibited extensively. Today, Sarah and Christian continue to showcase his work at these prestigious exhibitions. For more details, click the exhibition page.
Studio
Based in the middle of the Hampshire countryside on the edge of a half acre pond , which over the past fourteen years he has with his wife Sarah turned into a small nature reserve, which in turn has encouraged many of the birds he sculpts to show themselves in their true and natural light. The site was formally the old watercress beds for the Earl of Carnarvons Highclere estate (Downton Abbey fame) and is a 7 acre glade surrounded by agriculture.
The studio itself is a testament to Paul's dedication and craftsmanship, as he built it with his own hands. It's a space that continues to serve as a wellspring of inspiration for his work. If you visit, you'll experience firsthand the environment that sparked so many of his creations. The studio is open once a year during the weekends of May; please check the exhibition page for exact dates. It is here we showcase all of pauls work. Likewise you message us and plan a special visit if there is a sculpture you would like to see.
Hockley’s Hole, Well Street, Burghclere, Hampshire RG20 9NH
Follow Open studio signs from Well Street Burghclere. What3words: enhancement.muddle.calculate
Sarah, Christian and Family
Paul Harvey was the creative force behind his sculptures, but his family played an integral role in his journey. Before they ventured into the sculpture business, Sarah (as seen in the pictures adjacent) was a wedding dress designer, and Paul supported her in that craft. Eventually, Paul discovered his true passion for sculpture, and together, they shifted their focus to this new path.
Sarah worked hand in hand with Paul for 25 years, contributing to the design and creation of his art. Although Paul was the master artist, Sarah's support was invaluable, and their collaboration has ensured that his legacy endures.
Christian ( as seen in the photo above), with his own artistic background, has joined the family business, adding his creative vision to the mix. His sisters, Isobel and Eloise, are also pursuing their own artistic paths, with Isobel focusing on painting and Eloise combining painting with textiles. You can find links to their websites below.
Paul Harvey was not only a masterful sculptor but also an honest, hardworking man who deeply loved his craft, his family, and nature. The humorous video below shows Paul feeding the ducks at the studio one afternoon. We have put it here to show a glimpse into the kind of person Paul was. When you purchase a Paul Harvey piece, you're not just acquiring a sculpture; you're embracing a part of his legacy.
Paul Feeding the Ducks