Born in 1965, Ptolemy Elrington is a Brighton-based sculptor who transforms discarded and donated materials into artworks with a clear eco-conscious message. Since 2002, he’s been self-employed, working steadily to create sculptures that not only catch the eye but also draw attention to environmental issues. His artistic journey is grounded in a commitment to regeneration and sustainability, making waste material his primary medium.
Elrington’s sculptures range from intricate animal forms to abstract designs, all crafted from items like car hubcaps, scrap metal, and other remnants of human consumption. Through his work, he juxtaposes the long-lasting nature of these materials with the fragile ecosystems they often threaten. One piece, Frog, is a striking example of this philosophy. At 100 centimeters long, the sculpture is constructed entirely from found materials. It’s a representation of nature using man-made waste, a commentary on the tension between human production and environmental degradation.
After studying art, Elrington took the independent route, launching his career as a professional sculptor. His practice isn’t confined to personal expression; he works on commissions for private clients while partnering with corporations and organizations. Many of these collaborations focus on promoting ecological awareness. His clients include the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Environment Agency, Thames Barrier, and brands like Ronseal and Ecover. These partnerships allow Elrington to merge his artistic vision with a broader mission of sustainability.
Elrington’s sculptures have been exhibited widely across the UK, particularly in London and the southeast, and have also traveled to exhibitions in Ireland, Greece, Spain, and Russia. His art resonates internationally, reflecting universal concerns about waste and the environment.
Living and working in Brighton, Elrington draws inspiration from his surroundings. The coastal city, known for its vibrant artistic community, provides a fitting backdrop for his work. His sculptures often embody elements of nature—birds, fish, and other wildlife—crafted from materials that would otherwise pollute these very habitats.
For Elrington, the process of sculpting goes beyond aesthetics. Each piece tells a story about the impact of human behavior on the natural world. By taking what others discard and turning it into something meaningful, he challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with waste. His work is not just about recycling materials but about rethinking consumption and its long-term effects.
Frog encapsulates this mission. The sculpture’s form is organic and lifelike, yet its surface reveals its artificial origins. Metal, plastic, and other materials—designed to last for centuries—are reimagined as a creature whose existence is threatened by those very substances. The contrast is deliberate and thought-provoking, forcing us to confront the consequences of our wastefulness.
Elrington’s work with found materials reduces the demand for new resources while simultaneously making a statement about sustainability. His collaborations with corporate clients further amplify this message, showing how art can intersect with business to promote ecological awareness. Rooted in humility, his art reflects a personal ethos that creativity should have a purpose beyond decoration, with his choice of medium, method, and subject matter embodying a belief in art’s power to inspire change.
Through exhibitions and commissions, Elrington continues to engage audiences across the globe. His sculptures are a call to action, urging people to see waste not as trash but as a resource with potential. Whether displayed in a gallery, a public space, or a private collection, his pieces leave a lasting impression, not just for their craftsmanship but for the message they convey.
Ptolemy Elrington’s career is a testament to the power of art to address pressing environmental challenges. By transforming discarded materials into meaningful sculptures, he creates a dialogue about sustainability that is both urgent and hopeful. In his hands, what was once waste becomes a symbol of renewal, proving that even the most unlikely materials can find a second life.
