Tom Merrifield

Tom Merrifield has gained critical acclaim throughout the art world and has exhibited and sold his work in London, Paris, New York, LA, Sydney, Brussels, and Monte Carlo. He has also been awarded the incredible accolade of ARBS for Distinction in the Art of Sculpture by the Royal Society of British Sculptors.

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Tom trained as a classical dancer and at the age of sixteen, joined the Borovansky Ballet as a leading soloist. Three years later he moved to Britain where, throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s he was principal dancer in a number of West End musicals including 'On The Town', 'West Side Story', 'Man of La Mancha', 'No Strings' and 'Showboat'. He also appeared in numerous television productions during this time.

During his distinguished and rewarding career as a dancer, Tom began drawing and sculpting and following his time on the stage, took this up as a full-time occupation, looking back only for inspiration in his new passion. He has since sculpted many of the world's most famous dancers, including Thomas Edur, Dame Alicia Markova, Dame Beryl Grey, Natalia Makarova, Dame Antoinette Sibley, Marguerite Porter and Sir Anthony Dowell to name but a few.

Tom is internationally celebrated for the power and beauty of his life sized sculptures, many of which grace prominent public areas around the world. Possibly the most poignant is the bust of Diana, Princess of Wales, commissioned after her death by the British Red Cross. This exquisite work is displayed at the Red Cross headquarters in London.

Tom is recognised as a major living artist and one of the finest sculptors of his generation. Typical of the many accolades he has received from the international dance community is a pointe shoe signed by the dancers of the Bolshoi Ballet, a fitting tribute to his unique talent.