Sydney Harpley, RA, FRBS (1927-1992) was a well-known sculptor noted especially for his works of the female form. He was born in London and undertook his National Service with the Royal Engineers from 1945-48 during which time he became interested in sculpture having seen a carved head of Ramases II in Cairo. Harpley then took evening classes in art and in 1951 became a full-time student at Hammersmith School of Art. From 1953-56 he studied sculpture at the Royal College of Art under John Skeaping. At this time he began a long association with the Royal Academy, exhibiting his work there for the first time in 1954, and he showed there regularly throughout the rest of his life. Harpley was elected ARA (an associate of the RA) in 1974 and a full Royal Academician in 1981. In 1963 he had been elected a fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors. He lived in London for many years, and later in Somerset, and finally in Ireland where he died.