1962 Born in Dorchester, Dorset.

1978-79 Studied at the Heatherley School of Fine Art, London.

1980 Studied at Bournemouth and Poole collage of Art.

1981-84 Studied at Newport collage of Art, South Wales.

Giles has developed his sculptural work from a two dimensional background having been trained in formal painting. It is interesting to see that most of his ideas usually translate into an abstracted version of the human form. He conveys emotions and feelings through the visual use of the figure, and often portrays an innocent humorous quality. Ideas initiated as drawings are often developed at a later stage into sculpture, or vice versa. His fondest way of working is in relief, which he believes is half way between sculpture and drawing.

Two main themes have been explored in the last ten years ‘Noah’ and ‘Flat Man’. Giles interest in the Hindu myth of Manu the first man, survivor of the great flood and Father of the human race led him to develop the character of ‘Noah’. The first version of ‘Noah’ depicts a figure embracing a stork like creature, he is consoling the bird because as a singleton and not one of a pair he is not permitted to journey on the ark. Following this came a number of pieces featuring ‘Noah in Boat’ which evolved into a rocket like vehicle symbolising an abstract ark. This theme also included a set of five relief panels ‘The Noah Story Continues’. ‘Flat Man’ is a three dimensional interpretation of a two dimensional idea, hence his literal title. This image is frequently featured in Giles paintings often he is observing everyday activities although in the three-dimensional form he always stands alone.

PUBLIC COMMISSIONS

• 1990 A Collection of large sculptures for the Body Shop Headquarters,

West Sussex- Tableaux of Manet’s ‘Dejeuner sur L’herbes and

Seurat’s ‘Bathers’ for the grounds. Two figures holding the

Body Shop logo sign for the entrance. ‘Cleaning Lady’ for the

Reception. ‘Dancing Traffic warden and Lollypop Lady’ for the

Day-care Centre. Two ‘Figures on Flying Bananas’ for the factory Roof space.

• 1995 ‘Noah in Boat’ resin, Centrepiece for a lake at Co-operative

Headquarters, Rochdale, Lancashire- for Co-operative Retail Services Ltd.

• 1999 ‘Man With Arms Open’ resin, Atrium Garden, BBC, London

For British Broadcasting Corporation.

• 1999 ‘Two Men on a Bench’ and ‘Man With Arms Open’ (both bronze)

Cabot Square, Canary Wharf London, For Canary Wharf Group PLC.

• 1999 Six large bronze relief panels ‘Past and Present’ –

Golden Square, London, - For Norwich Union Insurance Company

Ltd.

• 2000 ‘Man and Ball’ bronze, Centrepiece for Housing development,

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, for Crest Homes Ltd.

• 2001 ‘Man and Globe’ bronze, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

Waterfront Development, For Berkeley Festival Company.

• 2004 ‘Flying Woman’ steel, Waitrose supermarket, Newbury,

For Discovery Properties Ltd.

• 2004 ‘Man And Animal’ bronze, Portishead Quays, Bristol,

For Crest Nicholson.

EXHIBITIONS INCLUDE:

• Art 90’, Business Design Centre, London.

• Lancaster Arts Centre, High Wycombe, Bucks.

• Beaux Arts Gallery, Bath, Avon.

• Blackheath Gallery, London.

• Eric Shemilt Fine Art, Arundel, Sussex.

• Sladmore Gallery, London.

• Arundel Arts Festival, Sussex.

• Worthing Museum and Art Gallery, Sussex.

• Henley Arts Festival, Oxford.

• Chichester Cathedral, Sussex.

• ‘Shape of the Century’, Canary Wharf, London.

• McHardy Sculpture Co, London.

• Broomhill Art Hotel, Devon.

• Bruton Street Gallery, London.

• Newby Hall Sculpture Park, Yorkshire.

• Ramster Gardens, Surrey.

• ‘Fresh Air’ Sculpture Exhibition, Glos.

• Zimmer Stewart Gallery, Sussex.

• The Goldfish Bowl Gallery, Cornwall.

"To the habitual gallery-goer the sculpture of Giles Penny is like a breath of fresh air. After the morbid trends of recent years, it is something of a relief to find an artist who does not rely on shock, obscuration to gain effect. Here is an original mind with some very interesting ideas and the ability to present them with clarity."

MICHAEL CHARLTON