Mark Stoddart
{{Short description|Scottish sculptor and furniture designer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
file:Mark Stoddart at Rotary conference 2024 (sq cropped).jpg
Mark Stoddart (born 1960) is a Scottish sculptor and furniture designer. He is known for his glass topped coffee and dining tables which incorporate bronze sculptures. Having had a difficult schooling until his severe dyslexia was picked up, he has become an ambassador for those affected by the condition.
Early life
Born in 1960 in Troon,{{cite web |url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/55619.aspx |title=Visiting The Parliament: Art Collection: Browse Collection by artist: Stoddart, Mark |publisher=Scottish Parliament |accessdate=7 November 2015}} he attended various schools until, at the age of twelve, teachers discovered he was dyslexic. He was then sent to Frewen College, a school in Sussex which offered specialised teaching.{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/animal-attraction-lures-stars-to-scots-sculptor-1-1433554 |title=Animal attraction lures stars to Scots sculptor |work=Scotland on Sunday |date=24 May 2008 |accessdate=7 November 2015}}
Career
After leaving school he returned to Scotland and in 1994 set up his own business, Sculpt Art Creations where he began to produce works inspired by his travels.{{cite news |url=http://www.toledoblade.com/Homes/2000/11/19/East-Coast-style-brings-it-all-home.html |title=East Coast style brings it all home |first=Rebekah |last=Scott |work=The Blade |date=18 November 2000 |accessdate=7 November 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://www.sculptart.co.uk/nindex.html |title=Sculpt Art Creations |publisher=sculptart.co.uk |accessdate=7 November 2015}}{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/smgpubs/access/57894717.html?dids=57894717:57894717&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+12%2C+2000&author=Justin+Ryan+%26+Colin+McAllister&pub=The+Herald&desc=go+busi%3B+ness+class&pqatl=google|title=go business class|last=Ryan|first=Justin|author2=Colin McAllister|date=12 August 2000|work=The Herald|accessdate=5 March 2012|quote=Using one or two of his possessions as her starting point (like the cherrywood table in the living room, created by Scottish furniture designer Mark Stoddart who ...}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} After some success, Sculpt Art gave way to the company that bears his name today, Mark Stoddart International Designer.
He has produced several table designs which feature a bronze cast sculpture acting as the base, appear to be emerging from the water surface, created by the glass.{{cite web |url=http://www.artnet.com/artists/mark-stoddart/past-auction-results |title=Mark Stoddart: auction results |publisher=artnet.com |accessdate=7 November 2015}}{{cite news |url=http://www.creativebloq.com/design/furniture-design-10121063 |title=33 inspirational examples of furniture design |magazine=Creative Bloq |date=5 September 2015 |accessdate=7 November 2015}} Some of his designs were made to a limited edition of only 99.
In 2008 Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer purchased three tables that had horse-themed designs.{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/ayrshire-artists-work-snapped-up-2444562 |title=Ayrshire artist's work snapped up by Saudi Prince |work=Ayrshire Post |date=7 November 2008 |accessdate=7 November 2015}}
Stoddart produced tables which featured a bronze sculpture of the Apollo Lunar Module as the base and a glass top inscribed with the words spoken by Neil Armstrong as he stepped onto the lunar surface in 1969. One of these tables is kept in the Scottish Parliament, others were purchased by astronomer Sir Patrick Moore and American astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
Other high-profile clients include, Eric Clapton, the jockey Frankie Dettori and Elton John.
In 2014 he retrieved a sculpture after a dispute over ownership with a local hotel.{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/in-your-area/hippo-held-hostage-reunited-owner-4816372 |title=Hippo held hostage is reunited with its owner after row with top hotel |first=Stephen |last=Houston |work=Ayrshire Post |date=15 December 2014 |accessdate=7 November 2015}}
Charity connections
The 99th piece of his "Walk on the Wildside" table was auctioned in 2007 and the proceeds donated to a wildlife charity.{{cite press release |url=http://www.natureartists.com/news_events/news.asp?NewsID=1243 |title=Mark Stoddart Print Raises over $15,000 for Conservation |publisher=Worldwide Nature Artists Group |accessdate=7 November 2015}} He has donated the sale price of seven works to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.{{cite web |url=http://www.markstoddart.com/charity_work.html |title=Charity work |publisher=markstoddart.com |accessdate=7 November 2015}}
He has worked as a dyslexia ambassador{{cite press release |url=http://www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/sites/default/files/page_content/AmbassadorsUpdatedAug2014.pdf |title=Introducing... Dyslexia Scotland's Ambassadors |publisher=Dyslexia Scotland |accessdate=7 November 2015}} and his story was included in the book "Dyslexia and Us: A collection of personal stories".{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wni6BAAAQBAJ&pg=PT102 |title=Dyslexia and Us: A collection of personal stories |date=2011|isbn=9781783332496 |last1=Agnew |first1=Susie |last2=Smith |first2=Elaine C. |last3=Logan |first3=Kenny |last4=McNeill |first4=Paul |last5=Ellis |first5=Hugh }}
Personal life
Stoddart now lives in Turnberry in Ayrshire. Stoddart owns a Gordon Keeble car, of which only 99 were ever produced.{{fact|date=March 2024}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.markstoddart.com/ Official website]
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Category:Scottish furniture designers