David Farrer is a highly successful British sculptor renowned for his extraordinary and imaginative papier-mâché trophy heads, a body of work that has captivated collectors, galleries, and art lovers internationally. Born in Leeds and trained in fine art—majoring in printmaking – Farrer’s artistic journey has evolved from drawing and print to three-dimensional sculpture, all driven by a deep fascination with the natural world and a creative commitment to sustainability.
The concept at the heart of Farrer’s work was sparked during his time in South Africa, where encounters with wildlife and contemplation of conservation issues inspired him to rethink traditional hunting trophies. Instead of real animal heads, he began crafting intricately detailed papier-mâché versions from recycled materials – each piece mounted like a classic trophy but reimagined with ecological sensitivity and artistic depth.
Over the past eleven years, Farrer has developed a diverse and enchanting menagerie of creatures, from exotic African species to familiar British wildlife, all constructed using upcycled paper and other sustainable elements. His work playfully subverts the conventions of taxidermy, inviting audiences to reflect on humanity’s relationship with nature while celebrating the beauty and personality of the animals themselves.
Farrer’s art has been exhibited widely, including in London and other major cultural venues, featured in gallery shows and public collections, and has garnered significant acclaim for its originality, craftsmanship, and ecological resonance. Farrer will be exhibiting at the 13th Flux Exhibition in Marylebone May 2026.
Are you self-taught or did you attend art school?
I took a Foundation course in Harrogate followed by a Degree in Fine Art at Sunderland & The Hague. The original plan was to attend Central School of art in London but I figured my grant (I’m just about old enough to have been eligible for one) would go a lot further up north & the exchange with The Royal Academy of Art in The Hague was the deciding factor.
How would you describe your artistic style?
My work is generally figurative (with a Trojan Horse-styled message hidden within if the viewer cares to engage).
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
Every sculpture is a unique process from beginning to end, no casting techniques are used. I make an armature from wire & utilise old magazines, recycled and found objects to build up the body of the piece.
Is narrative a key element in your work? If so, how does it come through?
The work is literally narrative (& image) driven as I use old magazine text & image to create the final ‘skin’. The text & image define the shape and form of the piece & where possible subject-specific text is used to underscore the message within the piece.
Who are your favourite artists, and what draws you to their work?
I love Richard Scarry for the tiny fun details in his illustrations, Albrecht Durer was a wonderful artist, printmaker & illustrator. But for pure talent, I would have to say Sandro Raphael is my number one.
Who or what inspires your art?
I was brought up watching programmes that championed the recycled and repurposed discarded objects such as The Wombles, Bagpuss, The Clangers & The Good Life. My parents were of the immediate post-war generation with a ‘make do & mend’ mentality. This has definitely rubbed off on me!
Where is your studio located, and what’s the environment like?
My studio is at the back of the garden in a rural village, I overlook an old gnarly apple tree with a church tower behind it. It is idyllic (apart from Tuesday evenings which are bell-ringing practice!)
Do you have any studio rituals or habits that help you create?
I like to listen to 80’s synth pop or history podcasts via BBC sounds. For which the volume gets cranked up on a Tuesday evening! (see preceding answer)
What projects or artworks are you currently working on?
As I type, Christmas is fast approaching so I am more busy with admin & chasing up sales pre the 25th. I just finished a Hedgehog sculpture which I am very happy with.
Where can people view or purchase your art?
I have an instagram account @davidfarrerart which, due to it being a more serviceable format holds a contemporary selection of work. My web site: www.davidfarrer.com is another option with history (& a price list!!!) to peruse.
How has your style evolved over time?
The work is always developing & refining, it is like a power struggle with unruly mediums, I catch it & it catches me back. Persistence is key!
What materials or mediums do you prefer to work with, and why?
I use wire, recycled paper & found or repurposed objects. As my work is primarily concerned with highlighting the plight of creatures around the world (which are the victims habitat loss & hunting) I try, as much as possible, to use recycled or sustainable materials to compliment a green agenda.
What challenges do you often face in your work, and how do you overcome them?
Working with wire & paper is not always easy, stubborn persistence & in the wintertime using radiators and the wood burner to accelerate drying really help.
What do you hope viewers take away from your art?
I hope potential buyers appreciate the aesthetic of the work in the first instance & then find a message that might result in the last rhino/lion/leopard or any other creature being awarded the space to thrive instead of being forced the way of the Dodo.
Has your cultural or personal background influenced your art?
As the youngest of four children (by some distance) I spent a lot of time in Africa (where two of my siblings emigrated while I was still young). Lots of summer holidays spent on safari where the plight of the creatures mostly at the hands of rich European & American ‘hunter-tourists’ has been central to my ethos ever since. The investment by China in Africa in recent decades has ‘mysteriously’ coincided with a nose-diving rhino population. I hope, in some small way, to highlight these terrible injustices & create something far more ethically sustainable than blood lust & hokey ‘medicine’.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Don’t take ‘no’ as an answer if you 100% believe in what you are doing & truly can’t imagine a life doing anything else.
Where do you see your work heading in the future? Any long-term goals or dream projects?
I am always open to suggestions & creative collaborations. It’s a lonely life in the studio for the most part so an alternative opinion flexes the creative muscles & challenges me to think outside the box. A recent commission from Fortnum & Mason for a giant recycled elephant for their iconic Piccadilly store was a particular highlight of 2025.
For more information visit http://www.davidfarrer.com/