Due to ongoing concerns about COVID, this event will now take place online.

This unique event will be held in émigré sculptor Siegfried Charoux’s former studio in Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, NW11, which has only rarely been opened to the public since his death in 1967.

The session will explore Charoux’s commitment to artistic and civil liberties.

In the first part the current owners and custodians of the studio will share the story of their discovery of the building and its history, and their careful restoration of it, influenced by the spirit of place and by Charoux’s philosophy.

Afterwards, Dr Melanie Veasey will explore Charoux’s Austrian secessionist identity, cultural influences and émigré encounters and how, post-war, his British residency and citizenship led to the development of his revolutionary sculpture practice and politically-inspired iconic British public sculptures,  amongst these The Islanders exhibited at the Festival of Britain in 1951.

In conclusion, Gregor-Anatol Bockstefl, Manager and custodian of The Estate of Siegfried Charoux at the LANGENZERSDORF MUSEUM, Lower Austria, will discuss the efforts that were undertaken to retain Charoux's legacy in London and why this collection was ultimately returned to Austria to ensure its ongoing protection and conservation.