British Museum to Showcase Edward Allington’s ‘Making Poetry with Solid Objects’ in Landmark Autumn 2025 Exhibition
London, UK – The British Museum is set to host a significant new exhibition, “Edward Allington: making poetry with solid objects,” commencing on September 23, 2025, and running through January 25, 2026. This free exhibition will delve into the imaginative world of Edward Allington (1951–2017), a pivotal figure in the celebrated ‘New British Sculpture’ movement of the 1980s.
A Celebration of a Visionary Artist
Edward Allington emerged during a period when artists like Antony Gormley, Alison Wilding, and Anish Kapoor were challenging the prevailing minimalist and conceptual art trends. Allington, a sculptor, writer, and educator, carved a unique niche by exploring themes of collective memory, pop culture, kitsch, and the latent significance embedded within everyday objects. He famously described sculpture as “looking at real things by making real things. It is making poetry with solid objects”. His work consistently married humor with profound cultural reflection, often drawing inspiration from the enduring presence of classical forms in contemporary life, from museum fragments to mass-produced reproductions.
The Essence of ‘Making Poetry with Solid Objects’
This upcoming exhibition at the British Museum is particularly timely, as it coincides with a major recent acquisition of Allington’s drawings through the Arts Council’s Acceptance in Lieu scheme. These newly acquired works, alongside existing pieces in the museum’s collection, offer fresh perspectives on Allington’s artistic journey from the 1980s until his passing. The exhibition will focus on his prolific drawing practice, which was central to his creative output, often executed on old ledger paper to juxtapose delicate records of daily life with the stark volumes of his sculptural forms. Visitors can anticipate seeing drawings related to his major sculptures, exploring his enduring fascination with the cultures of ancient Greece and Japan, and delving into his core concerns with cultural and collective memory.
An Immersive Artistic Experience
Allington’s influence extended beyond his own artistic creations; as a beloved teacher and Professor of Sculpture at the Slade School of Fine Art, he inspired generations of artists. The exhibition aims to reveal the wit, curiosity, and roving intellect that defined his practice, providing a comprehensive overview of his significant contributions to British art. It serves as an opportunity to appreciate his unique ability to imbue seemingly solid objects with a poetic resonance.
A Rich Cultural Offering at the British Museum
Opening on the same day, September 23, 2025, and running concurrently until January 25, 2026, is another free exhibition titled “In the company of friends: portrait drawing in 17th-century London”. This dual opening presents visitors with a fascinating juxtaposition of artistic expressions across different eras and mediums, enriching the cultural news landscape for autumn 2025.
The “Edward Allington: making poetry with solid objects” exhibition is a must-see for enthusiasts of contemporary sculpture and drawing. It promises to be an engaging exploration of an artist whose work continues to resonate, offering deep insights into form, memory, and the art of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Admission to the exhibition is free, with booking recommended in advance, particularly during anticipated busy periods.
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