British sculptor: James Butler RA

James Butler was born in in London 1931. He studied at Maidstone School of Art from 1948 to 1950, St Martin's School of Art from 1950 to 1952 and subsequently at the Royal College of Art, London.

James Butler spent ten years as a professional stone carver, working on architectural sculptures such as the Queen's Beasts at Kew Gardens and restoration work on the Albert Memorial. From 1960 to 1975, James Butler taught drawing and sculpture at the City and Guilds of London Art School before becoming a full time sculptor.

James Butler was elected a Royal Academician in 1972, a Member of the Royal West of England Academy in 1980 and a fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors in 1981.

James Butler's first major commission was a twice life size statue of President Kenyatta of Kenya for the city of Nairobi in 1973. Since then he has produced numerous public commissions and art works for private collections throughout the world.

In contrast to his major commissions James Butler is also know for his charming figures of dancers, children and female nudes.