For six decades, British artist Ray Exworth filled a series of sheds in remote Cornwall with large, complex sculptures. Nearly no one saw them. Exworth died in 2015 at age 84. Now, after his death, his hidden body of work has been revealed to the public.
Exworth built his sculptures from salvaged materials. They filled seven studio sheds and several shipping containers. He allowed only about 20 people to view them during his lifetime. His wife, Susie, now 92, said she could not visit without an invitation.
In 1975, Exworth had one major exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery in London. After that, he disappeared from the art world. His works remained locked away, exactly as he left them.
Experts now say Exworth may be among Britain's most notable artists. His sculptures are described as breathtaking, sprawling, and wildly ambitious. The sheds on his smallholding were like a labyrinth, holding a secret collection that few knew existed.
Now that the works are being seen, art lovers and critics are amazed. The revelation has sparked new interest in Exworth's life and creative output.