RACHEL RICKETTS Original OOAK Steel Ribbon Sculpture "Hound and Hare"

Rachel's studies in fine art, to BA(hons) level, took place at Bournville and Norwich Schools of Art. She continued to train in the conservation of antiquities and works of art, first at Lincoln College and then at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton. This was followed by a seven year period conserving and restoring wall paintings predominantly in ecclesiastical buildings and stately homes. Rachel ceased the peripatetic way of life required of this type of work in 1996, returning to her studio with the intention of painting. Inspiration to sculpt came along with her newly acquired English Toy Terrier who became her first, very wriggly, subject.

Her extensive training did not encompass sculpture, in this she is entirely self-taught, her experience with materials and techniques, including patination processes, have proved invaluable as Rachel seeks to integrate the visual disciplines she enjoys.

In 2005 Rachel was made an Associate of the RBSA as a sculptor and was awarded full Member status in 2008.

In 2006 she received the Lucas Sculpture Prize and the Reg Lewis Sculpture Prize at the RBSA the following year. 

Exhibitions of her 3D works include a solo exhibition of painted ceramic sculpture at the Orange Street Gallery, Uppingham, and as a participant her sculptural work formed part of a travelling exhibition in 2017/18 entitled Re-Imagining the Laws of England with a piece inspired by folk lore. One of the venues for this was the Palace of Westminster.

'Fresh Air' 2017 at Quenington and in 2019 'Sculptura' as one of eight invited sculptors at the RBSA Gallery.

Held in permanent collections works include two large pieces at Hergest Croft Gardens in the Welsh borders, a place close to her home and heart.

Rachel is one of the continuous exhibitors at the Lion Street Gallery in Hay-on-Wye.