Michael Rizzello

PRess release 31st March 2005:

MICHAEL RIZZELLO SCULPTURE EXHIBITION OPENS AT MALL GALLERIES ON APRIL 12th 2005
Darcey Bussell to unveil artist's final labour of love at retrospective for sculptor of Royals and Mandela.

LONDON - A fascinating sculpture exhibition will open at the Mall Galleries in London on April 12 th 2005 and run for 10 days until April 20 th . It features the work of sculptor Michael Rizzello O.B.E. (1926-2004) who had a global following including royal families, major collectors and international governments. Despite many opportunities, he chose to remain resolutely out of the public eye and the gallery system throughout a remarkable career, until his death in 2004.

This free exhibition will be one of the most significant displays of sculpture seen in London for some years and provide a unique insight into the mind and methodology of this master sculptor.

DISCOVERING RIZZELLO
Antique Dealer & Collectors Guide - March/April 2005
By Anthony J. Lester FRSA

While some artists, such as Damien Hirst (b. 1965) and Tracey Emin (b. 1963), actively seek all the publicity they can, others keep an almost too minimal profile. One such artist was Michael Gaspard Rizzello, OBE (1926-2004), who never courted publicity, preferring instead to work quietly. Paradoxically it is only now, following his death in London last September, that we have the opportunity to fully appreciate his significant legacy of over 500 sculptures spanning some sixty years. This comes via a unique retrospective exhibition, taking place between 12-20 April at the Mall Galleries (The Mall, London. Tel: 020 7930 6844), which will highlight his remarkable breadth of talent.

Captains of industry play to the gallery….
The Telegraph City Diary on says that “If you’ve ever had a burning desire to meet Crossrail chairman Sir Christopher Benson and Lord Sainsbury of Preston-Candover, now is your chance: not in the flesh, but in bronze. Their busts by the late Michael Rizzello will appear in an exhibition in the Mall Galleries next month…” (Wednesday 30th March 2005)

The Times Law Diary noted that….
”Clive Jenkins… was one of the many notable British figures who flocked to his studio. There is also one of Lord Chief Justice, Lord Taylor of Gosforth, probably the last holder of his post to be sculpted, and certainly the last by Rizzello, who died last year.” (Thursday 29th March 2005)