Jonathan Kenworthy

British, 1943-Present

Jonathan Kenworthy is a British sculptor whose lifelong fascination with movement, anatomy, and the natural world has shaped a remarkable career. His work, known for its technical mastery and expressive power, draws from a deep engagement with wildlife and the human figure in motion.

Displaying artistic talent from an early age, Kenworthy began sculpting at four and, by age eleven, was studying at the Royal College of Art under John Skeaping. He later trained at the Royal Academy Schools, where he received numerous awards, including the Gold Medal for Sculpture in 1965.

His practice is rooted in field study. From the 1960s onward, Kenworthy undertook extensive travels across East Africa, Nepal, and Afghanistan. These expeditions profoundly influenced his subject matter, leading to dynamic bronzes depicting cheetahs mid-leap, lionesses on the hunt, and Afghan horsemen in action. Kenworthy’s sculptures are often cast in bronze and characterized by their anatomical accuracy and dramatic tension. His process is grounded in disciplined drawing and modelling, yet remains responsive to the unpredictability of nature. 

Now based in England, Kenworthy continues to produce work for discerning collectors and institutions. Noted for reviving the animalier tradition with a modern sensibility, his art bridges classical technique with of lived observation, bringing his subjects to life in bronze.