17 Apr, 2025

A Nomad Safari, Tanzania 2025, Part 2

I’m a visual person, and I love the non-stop interest being on the ground in Africa. I felt very emotional leaving. I love the animals, landscapes, tracks, sounds, and smells of Africa, and its people. As they say it really gets under the skin.

17 Apr, 2025

Visiting the Hope Centre for Girls and Women in Tanzania

Our visit was one of the highlights of our trip to Tanzania. The girls we met were so very young, so bright and full of smiles, they were also the bravest and strongest girls I have ever come across.

20 Mar, 2025

A Nomad Safari, Tanzania 2025, Part 1

On the ground your senses tune in and become alert. It was wonderful to think how humans have lived in this area since earliest man. It really felt like the cradle of mankind, and it was a privilege to be standing here.

27 Feb, 2025

Getting ready for a trip to Tanzania

Tanzania is a country I have never visited before, so I am very excited about going. I have a variety of animals I would like to see and sculpt on this trip,  including hippo, ostrich, elephant, giraffe and cheetah.

25 Jan, 2025

Hamish Mackie’s Stainless Steel Sculptures

Stainless steel gives a more contemporary feel to a sculpture. The reflective surface works well outside, particularly in sunny climates.

08 Dec, 2024

A research trip to Amsterdam

The first day in Amsterdam we took a bike tour of the old city, a great way to get our bearings although biking is not for the faint hearted!  Amsterdam has wonderful cobbled streets and canals, and there are people and bikes everywhere. 

08 Nov, 2024

A trip to the Isle of Mull in the Hebrides

We have just returned from a wonderful week researching wildlife on the Isle of Mull, the second largest of the Inner Hebridean islands. It was the perfect location to explore the island and to experience an immersive connection with nature. We were surrounded by glorious autumn colours all around us.

20 Oct, 2024

Hamish Mackie Jewellery

There have been a couple of my sculptures over the years that have lent themselves to being digitally scanned and re-modelled into jewellery.

22 Sep, 2024

A trip to the Bordeaux region of France

Of course, the Bordeaux region of south west France is synonymous with winemaking. It was introduced to the area by the Romans in about the first century and has been continuous Bordeaux ever since. Wine has become one of my passions over the years, so I was particularly excited to visit a number of vineyards while we were there.

08 Jul, 2024

Hamish Mackie sculptures at Cirencester Park

I am delighted that four of my sculptures are on display at Cirencester Park at the Bathurst Estate for the summer.

08 Jun, 2024

Five Stars at Chelsea Flower Show 2024!

Chelsea Flower Show 2024Bowles and Wyer did an excellent job with the planting, and a gravel path meandering through the planting and sculptures, so people could walk through and get a sense of sculptures in their own gardens. We were awarded 5 Starsfor the stand, which we were really pleased with.The Great British Weather –always […]

10 May, 2024

Gearing up for Chelsea Flower Show 2024

RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a regular event in my calendar and one that I really look forward to. This year I've got a new stand designed by Bowles and Wyer, in a new location. You can find me at RHW 251.

10 Mar, 2024

Making Life Size Bald Eagle Sculpture 2023

I have always wanted to sculpt a bald eagle, so I was delighted when I was commissioned by the internationally renowned interior designer Nina Campbell to make one of these magnificent raptors for a project in North America.

18 Feb, 2024

Nina Campbell visits Hamish Mackie’s studio

In November last year, I invited Nina and two of her team, Olivia and Joanna, to visit my studio in Oxfordshire. We met at Lockbund Foundry, where we spent the morning giving our guests a step by step guide to the ancient craft of lost wax casting.

03 Dec, 2023

Art Research Trip to Barcelona

Barcelona has long been on my bucket list, and at the end of October, we were lucky enough to spend five days there in glorious sunshine getting to know the city, seeing all the art and architecture and generally being tourists!

08 Oct, 2023

Meet the Sculptor – on film!

Earlier this year, we decided to make a short film about my life as a sculptor. I thought it would be a good way to introduce myself and my work to a new audience who might not be familiar with my sculptures. We asked a local broadcasting company, Pougatch Media, to make the film. They have done a wonderful job!

02 Jul, 2023

Swift sculpture installed at Dyson Cancer Centre

Back in June, I went along to the new Dyson Cancer Centre at Royal United Hospitals Bath to oversee my Swifts sculpture being installed. This has been such a special project to work on. I'm really looking forward to seeing the court yard all finished, planted up and in use. 

25 Jun, 2023

Chelsea Flower Show 2023

It was great to be back at Chelsea Flower Show at the usual time in May! Things are finally back to normal after the virus.

18 May, 2023

Chelsea Flower Show 2023 – the build up!

With only a week to go, we have been busy getting ready for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. I've really enjoyed curating this year's exhibition. There are lots of new sculptures on the stand this year.

13 Mar, 2023

Making Lobster Sculpture 2023

My sculpture was life cast from a Cornish lobster sourced by Tonks the lobster fisherman at Cadgwith Cove Crab. It was definitely the largest lobster I have ever seen at twice the size of a normal lobster you'd see in a restaurant.

30 Jan, 2023

Making Moose Sculpture 2023

It was out of the tourist season, so I was very fortunate to have many hours with just Erik and his moose. Spending time with three semi-tame mature bulls enabled me to return home with some detailed measurements, photos and video footage of moose behaviour and movement, and a shed antler in my hand luggage …

05 Dec, 2022

Making Bronze Swifts Sculpture for the Dyson Cancer Centre at RUH, Bath

When I was asked to create a sculpture for the new Dyson Cancer Centre at Royal United Hospitals Bath, swifts seemed the perfect subject. The project was made possible by the generosity of an anonymous private donor who wanted a sculpture in memory of his wife and a pair of swifts dancing in the sky seemed to hit exactly the right note.

29 Sep, 2022

Research Trip to Costa Rica

After a night in San Jose, we travelled to the Tortuguero National Park, a remote area in the rainforest on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. It is 51,870 acres and is one of the last large areas of tropical rain forest in Central America.

11 Aug, 2022

Research Trip to Skomer Island

Skomer Island is a national nature reserve off the coast of Pembrokeshire, renowned for its birdlife, and ancient settlement remains. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area.  I've wanted to visit it for a long time as there is so much to see in this special place. For a tiny island - at only 1.5 x 2 miles - it packs a big punch!

18 Jul, 2022

Research Trip to Canada: National Parks

We drove very early one morning from Edmonton to Elk Island National Park for the day, to research bison. There was nobody around, so it felt like we had the park to ourselves. We went for a lovely walk through thick foliage, talking loudly so we didn’t startle a bison!

17 Jul, 2022

Research Trip to Canada: Ammolite

At the end of June this year, I made a long-anticipated research trip to Canada with Mrs Mackie. I've wanted to visit this fascinating country for a long time, to take in the beautiful landscape and the wealth of wildlife that make Canada a really inspirational place.

13 Jun, 2022

Monumental Hares at Hares of Hampshire Art Trail

I am delighted that one of my hare sculptures is part of the Hares of Hampshire art trail. So on 31st May, we all went down to Southampton for the unveiling of my Monumental Hares 2021 sculpture, which has been installed next to the John Hansard Gallery.

08 Jun, 2022

Hamish Mackie at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022

It was great to be out showing my new work, much of it made during lockdown. Chelsea is always a wonderful opportunity  to get feedback from collectors and admirers of my sculptures, and to see old friends and make new ones. Bring on next year!

11 May, 2022

Hamish Mackie back at Chelsea Flower Show 2022

I am so pleased that RHS Chelsea Flower Show is back in May in its usual spot on the British calendar! As much as we enjoyed the September event last year, the event really marks the beginning of summer.

04 Apr, 2022

Hamish Mackie Octopus Sculptures in Bronze, Titanium and Gold

As well as needing to get to grips with their strange anatomy, I also wanted to understand more about the octopus' amazing intelligence, so that I could convey a real sense of these fascinating creatures when making the Hamish Mackie Octopus sculptures.

12 Mar, 2022

Making New Bronze Einstein Sculpture

My new Einstein sculpture was a commission from an American client. The commissioning process is always enjoyable when the client is passionate about the subject but leaves all the creative interpretation to the artist! That's exactly how it was with this portrait of Einstein.

26 Feb, 2022

Hamish Mackie’s Ammonite Sculpture in Horatio’s Garden, Stoke Mandeville

In February, I was delighted to visit Horatio's Garden Stoke Mandeville, to install my Ammonite Jurassic Cracked sculpture. Horatio's Garden is a national charity creating and nurturing beautiful, accessible gardens in NHS spinal injury centres for people affected by spinal injury.

01 Oct, 2021

Hamish Mackie exhibits at RHS Chelsea Flower Show September 2021

I really enjoyed the first autumn Chelsea Flower Show and fingers crossed, it won't be long until we are back in May of 2022!

13 Sep, 2021

Back at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2021

It’s back! And for the first time in its 108 year history, this year RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be taking place in September. Usually the world-famous show is in May, but because of the Covid pandemic, things have been a little different. Last year, the show went online, as it did again in May […]

05 Jul, 2021

New Bird Sculptures for Summer

There weren't many good things about lockdown, but one of the unexpected benefits was an increased appreciation of the natural world.

05 Mar, 2021

New Bull Sculptures for the Year of the Ox

I'm really looking forward to my new bull sculptures coming out of the foundry. The new bull sculptures were originally made for a client to gift to someone who works on the stock market.

25 Jan, 2021

A Snowy Start to 2021 and New Sculptures

The year got off to a snowy start! I quite enjoy a good sprinkling of the white stuff. It turns the garden into a playground for a while! I also enjoy how it casts my sculptures in a new light, transforming the way they look outdoors. We had some fun trying to make snow sculptures too.

18 Dec, 2020

Hamish Mackie Sculptures in 2020

What a strange year it has been for all of us! However, I have managed to be be very productive, working in the studio and sculpting wildlife that I have wanted to sculpt for a while. I have also been experimenting with the sculpting materials I use.

24 Oct, 2020

New Sculpture of Sir Winston Churchill 2020

After the great success of  Sir Winston Churchill 2017, I was delighted to receive a commission to make another bronze bust - Sir Winston Churchill 2020.

24 Sep, 2020

Hamish Mackie Sculptures New Catalogue 2020

As a sculptor, I usually have a major solo exhibition every three years. However, things haven't gone exactly to plan. Last year, I delayed my exhibition due to Brexit, and this year I cancelled it due to Covid! Of course, it was extremely disappointing. '

11 Aug, 2020

Grouse Sculptures and The Glorious Twelfth

It's the Glorious Twelfth. I've written before about my love of game birds, particularly grouse.

20 Jul, 2020

Working with a Life Model for Figurative Sculptures

Just before the 2020 Covid 19 lockdown began, I spent several weeks sculpting from a life model.

23 Jun, 2020

Silver and Bronze Swift Sculptures

I have wanted to sculpt a series of silver and bronze swift sculptures for ages. Swifts are one of my favourite birds.

18 May, 2020

Virtual RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020

I normally love this time of year but I do feel like something is missing. We should be at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020 this week! It would have been my eleventh year exhibiting at the show.

28 Apr, 2020

A Different Look to 2020

What strange times these are! 2020 has certainly got a different look to it.

06 Mar, 2020

Life in Bronze – celebrating the natural world

When we decided on Life in Bronze as the title for my solo exhibitions, it was obviously a reflection of my work as a wildlife sculptor.

18 Feb, 2020

New Sculptures for Life in Bronze Exhibition

Having grown up on a livestock farm, I inevitably have a special relationship with cattle.

28 Jan, 2020

A Sculptor’s Year – looking forward to 2020

Last year was a busy one, but 2020 looks set to be even busier!

06 Dec, 2019

Making Lion Sculptures at Lewa

In February this year, I returned to what feels like my second home, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Northern Kenya. It is here that my sculpting began in 1996, so it is a very special place for me. Lewa's founders, the conservationists Ian and Jane Craig, are great friends and have been enormously supportive of my work over the years.

07 Nov, 2019

Research Trip to Rome

A couple of weeks ago, I visited Rome with my family. Because of my work, I spend long periods of time isolated in my studio, so it was really great to get out and enjoy all the art and architecture this amazing city has to offer. 

29 Oct, 2019

Lost-wax casting with Lockbund Foundry

There's something awe-inspiring about knowing that the lost-wax casting process I use to make my sculptures has not changed in over 6,000 years. Also known as precision casting, investment casting or cire perdue, lost-wax casting is an ancient technique that replicates an original sculpture in metal. Bronze is my preferred material, although it can also be achieved with any alloy including gold or silver. 

14 Aug, 2019

Game Bird Sculptures by Hamish Mackie

I'll never get tired of making bird sculptures, especially the game bird! I enjoy interpreting the feathers into clay and the opportunities for interesting mark making. Sometimes I use a carcass to study wing shapes in more detail and the precise number of feathers.

17 Jul, 2019

Fossil Sculptures by Hamish Mackie

I have really fond childhood memories of summer holidays in Dorset. Sunny days on the beach, foraging in rock pools, exploring Lyme Regis and the magnificent Jurassic coast.

20 Jun, 2019

Royal Ascot – It’s all about the horses …

Today is Ladies Day at Royal Ascot and all the talk is of elegant outfits and outrageous hats. Also known as Gold Cup Day, it is arguably the biggest day on the British social and sporting calendar. Last year, Mrs Mackie and I attended with friends and thoroughly enjoyed the glitz and glamour. It is always quite […]

24 May, 2019

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019

It has been a sterling year at the RHS Chelsea Flower show! We received 5 stars for our exhibition stand. Bowles and Wyer worked tirelessly designing and building the stand.

26 Apr, 2019

Hamish Mackie Sculptures at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019

We are busy getting ready for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019.

24 Mar, 2019

Public Art by Hamish Mackie

As a sculptor, I am always pleased when my pieces are made available as public art. Sometimes a collector puts one of my pieces on display to a wider audience or I receive a commission for a sculpture for a specific public place. I really enjoy knowing that my work will be appreciated by visitors and passers-by.

26 Feb, 2019

Sculpting Black Rhino in Kenya

In 1996, I first visited Lewa where an aggressive male black rhino chased me up a tree! I was helping to round up animals for relocation and learnt very quickly that rhino are a lot faster than they look.

18 Jan, 2019

Contemporary Sculpture by Hamish Mackie

The origins of sculpture are likely to have begun with early man finding naturally formed objects which already looked a bit like something familiar. Holidaying in the Dordogne with family a few years ago, I found a piece of wood which looked just like a horse’s head.

13 Dec, 2018

A Sculptor’s Year – Hamish Mackie Sculptures in 2018

2018 has been a busy year creatively for Hamish Mackie Sculptures! I've completed 16 sculptures, made a couple of research trips, exhibited work, and tried out some new approaches and different styles.

14 Nov, 2018

Bronze Horse Sculptures by Hamish Mackie

I really enjoy creating horse sculptures. Unlike many of my subjects, I can touch and feel their bodies which helps to work out their anatomy. Most sculptors that study animals will be familiar with Stubb's wonderful equine anatomy illustrations. He drew them from life in his barn

14 Sep, 2018

The Sculptor as Photographer

Now, I can view images on my laptop taken earlier the same day. This has been especially valuable for getting the most out of research trips. It is so easy to then bring those images and films from the field back into my studio.

08 Aug, 2018

What to think about when Placing Sculpture

Placing sculpture is one of the first things I consider when planning a new commission with a client. I always ask where the piece is ultimately going to end up.

23 Jul, 2018

Big Cats Sculptures by Hamish Mackie

From the Paleolithic people to the ancient Greeks, from the pre-Raphelites to contemporary times, artists throughout history have depicted Big Cats. The largest members of the feline family have inspired Rubens, Bugatti, Delacroix, Puget, Stubbs, Scott, Ernst and Klimt. It is not hard to see why. The sheer power and strength of these animals is remarkable, and artists have celebrated them in paintings, etchings, ceramics and sculpture.

26 Jun, 2018

Hamish Mackie’s Andalusian Horse Sculpture at Royal Ascot

My Andalusian Horse Sculpture made an appearance at Royal Ascot this year... and so did Mr and Mrs Mackie!

25 Jun, 2018

Hamish Mackie at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018

We had a great week at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year.

14 Jun, 2018

Il Ngwesi Conservancy, Kenya

In my last blog post I told you about my trip to Kenya and conservancies of the Northern Rangelands Trust. While I was there in May, I visited another NRT project – the award winning Il Ngwesi Conservancy Lodge, owned and run by the Maasai community.

14 May, 2018

Northern Rangelands Trust, Kenya

I have just returned from another visit to the Northern Rangelands Trust in Kenya. As a sculptor, studying wildlife in its natural habitat is the only way to understand an animal. The NRT's work is making a real difference to preserving those habitats. And this has a favourable impact on the people and animals that live there too.

09 May, 2018

Hamish Mackie Exhibits New Sculptures at Chelsea Flower Show 2018

It's only two weeks until the gates open for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018, a highlight in my year. I'm really excited to be sponsored by Knight Frank.  Bowles & Wyer, a landscape design company based in Hertfordshire, are creating my stand.

23 Mar, 2018

New Wildlife Sculptures by Hamish Mackie

Among my bronze wildlife sculptures, there are a number of animal subjects that I come back to again and again. Otters, hares, deer, cheetah, and leopards feature frequently. They have become signature subjects for my wildlife sculptures and they provide a great way to evaluate my changing style over the years.

22 Feb, 2018

Bronze Deer Sculptures by Hamish Mackie

In 2007, my purpose-built studio next to my house in Oxfordshire was finished. It was a pivotal moment for me, as finally I had the space and equipment needed to tackle pieces at a large scale, like deer sculptures.

09 Nov, 2017

Bronze Churchill Bust bought by Blenheim Palace

Recently, I visited Blenheim Palace at the invitation of the Duke of Marlborough, to deliver a specially made bronze Sir Winston Churchill bust.

25 Oct, 2017

Salmon Fishing and Deer Stalking in Scotland

In September, I was invited north to Scotland for a couple of weeks salmon fishing and deer stalking.

20 Sep, 2017

Bronze Pheasant Sculpture for Cotswolds Distillery

Getting the call from the founder of the Cotswolds Distillery, Dan Szor, to commission a bronze pheasant sculpture, was really exciting.

27 Jun, 2017

Cattle Sculptures by Hamish Mackie

Last year when I was in the Dordogne, I took the opportunity to visit the incredible cave paintings at Lascaux near Montignac. I was blown away by these prehistoric depictions of wildlife - 17,000 years old. Man has been recording the animals around him since time began and I felt so gratified to be continuing in this tradition.

06 Jun, 2017

Hamish Mackie at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017

I am still buzzing from the triumph that was RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017. Hamish Mackie Sculptures in a CCLA Terraced Garden won 5 stars!! After eight years exhibiting at Chelsea, I am really proud to have earned the highest award for a trade stand.

10 May, 2017

Research Trip to Paris – Art and Architecture

A few weeks ago, I took my wife and daughters to Paris on a research trip. Unfortunately, I don’t get the chance to visit museums and galleries often. Maybe I could soak up some cultural inspiration while enjoying time with the family.

02 May, 2017

New Hamish Mackie sculptures for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017

With the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show only a few weeks away, I've been busy at the foundry getting my sculptures ready to exhibit.

13 Apr, 2017

Andalusian Stallion in National Trust Gardens at Stowe School

Last year, my bronze  Andalusian Stallion sculpture visited Chatsworth House and Blenheim Palace. It also stood on the Mall in London opposite Horseguards Parade during my solo exhibition. Visitors to these attractions were therefore able to see the bronze horse sculpture up close. Because it stands at over 11 and a half feet tall, it obviously makes quite an impact!

22 Mar, 2017

Bronze Hare Sculptures for March

Spring is definitely in the air! With the weather becoming warmer, the crocuses and daffodils are out and the hedgerows are green again.

17 Feb, 2017

Research Trip to the Isle of Ulva

I have just returned from a week-long trip to the West Coast of Scotland and the Islands of the Inner Hebrides. It took me a while to get there - staying the night in Glasgow, then a spectacular drive through the Trossachs, along the banks of Loch Lomond, and across to Oban to take the boat to Mull. From there I boarded a small ferry, more used to transporting sheep perhaps, to the beautiful Isle of Ulva.

27 Jan, 2017

2017 Chinese New Year of the Rooster

The Chinese zodiac follows a twelve year cycle. Each year is named after an animal. 2017 is the Year of the Rooster. I've always wondered if people really take on the characteristics of their birth animal. If you were born under the sign of the rooster you are probably outgoing and bright.

13 Jan, 2017

A Sculptor’s Year – 2016 Highlights

2016 was a busy year here at Hamish Mackie Sculpture.

16 Dec, 2016

Research trip to the United Arab Emirates – Camels and Salukis

I've just come back from a week long research trip to the UAE and have fallen in love with this amazing place! It has spectacular landscapes, fascinating wildlife and warm, friendly people. It was an informative and very memorable trip to a part of the world I didn't know terribly well beforehand.

22 Nov, 2016

Goodman’s Fields Horses wins Marsh Award 2016 for Public Sculpture

Earlier this year, I was thrilled to be shortlisted for the PMSA’s annual Marsh Award for Excellence in Public Sculpture and Fountains.

31 Oct, 2016

Life in Bronze Exhibition – A Private View

I have spent the past fortnight exhibiting four years of work at the Mall Galleries, London. There are so many people who have contributed to the success of Life in Bronze.

12 Oct, 2016

Life in Bronze Exhibition Opens Its Doors!

Life in Bronze exhibition, my first solo show in three years, opened on Monday at Mall Galleries, London.

27 Sep, 2016

Hamish Mackie Solo Exhibition Life in Bronze October 2016

There are two weeks to go until my solo exhibition Life in Bronze opens at Mall Galleries in London on 10th October. Things have been pretty busy here at the Hamish Mackie Studio.

22 Aug, 2016

New Catalogue Life in Bronze 2016

Next week we are sending out just over 20,000 copies of my new catalogue for Life in Bronze 2016 which opens on the 10th of October. Like the triennial solo show, I create the catalogue every three years and it is a labour of love.

15 Aug, 2016

Hamish Mackie at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016

Yesterday we opened our stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016. Phew. It was a big push to get ready! From finishing and casting my sculptures in bronze, to personally loading them up in the lorry and getting all 30 of them here on time.

15 Jun, 2016

Garden sculptures at Chelsea flower show and Blenheim

One of the things that informs my work is the relationship between wildlife and its natural habitat.

04 Feb, 2016

A Portable Sculptor’s Studio

This week I left the UK for a research trip to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya. It is one of my favourite places, especially to research African animals.

15 Jan, 2016

Bengal Tiger Conservation Inspires Hamish’s Bronze Sculpture

The tiger has always sparked artists' imaginations, from Rubens and Delacroix, to Bugatti and the mystical Sufi. I am no exception. Tigers prompted my research trip to India in 2015, to find one in the wild to sculpt.

18 Nov, 2015

The Sculpting Process – Modelling