Self Portrait

This book charts the extraordinary life and career of sculptor, artist, and designer William Mitchell, whose creative energy and technical innovation shaped public art for more than eight decades. The book covers key highlights of his life and work: Mitchell’s instinct for colour, texture, and composition which influenced his lifelong commitment to transforming everyday environments through art. His inventive surface treatments and finishes drew widespread attention and led to major architectural collaborations. Landmark public commissions including creating the iconic bronze doors and Portland Stone frontispiece for Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral; the Stations of the Cross at Clifton Cathedral; and the Grade II listed Corn King and Spring Queen at Wexham. Nine of his works are now Grade II listed which is more than any other British artist. Mitchell’s international influence, including in Qatar where he designed dramatic landscaped environments and palace interiors. High‑profile collaborations and controversies including producing the much-debated Michael Jackson statue for Fulham FC, later shortlisted for a Public Monuments and Sculpture Association award. Richly illustrated and filled with personal stories, Self Portrait presents Mitchell as a relentless creative force, With a great sense of humorous, he was driven by an enduring belief that art should enrich the world around us. It's a brilliant and inspiring story.