Literature

Growing up and going to the circus regularly, due to her father’s job with African Consolidated Theatres (eventually bought by Boswell Circus), Angie was captivated by its magic .Starting in 1913 in Vrededorp, Johannesburg and survived two wars, the circus expanding from tumbling clowns, dogs, ponies and donkeys to trapeze, lions and elephants. But it was the clown tradition started by two of the four Boswell brothers, Walter and Alf Boswell that Angie loved more than anything.

Capturing her own spirit and her love of the circus, “Fish Head” combines realism with the abstract. Of pierrots, of the mime, these whimsical figures, catch ones imagination and surprise. In Johannesburg, her love of horses can often be seen in these sculptures. The sense of strength and agility is prevalent on the Circus Performer. “I have always introduced animals that I love, particularly chameleons, monkeys, chickens, fish and frogs. Colour and shape and the quirky combination of these creatures and humans simply inspire me and I don’t envisage changing anything anytime soon.”

Angie Berry, as she was known before her marriage to James, was born in Johannesburg . At an early age, she developed a keen interest in sculpting and in her late teens attended sculpture classes. Working in film and theatre, in her early 20’s, she wished to further her talents and moved to London, attending a well-established art college.

An acquaintance advised her to enrol at London City and Guilds, where she met James Butler. After 4 ½ years of intense training, both theoretically and practically, she received her diploma in sculpture. During further years her pieces were accepted into the RA and thereafter Angie and James married.

Her intimidate knowledge and understanding of the technique involved and her love for this medium, made Angie James’perfect allies.