Mel Fraser is a contemporary sculptor specialising in stone. She has been carving stone in a variety of studios in and around, UK since the mid nineties and her body of work is diverse and multifaceted. She carves ethereal abstract and entrancing figurative works, each laden with profound symbolic significance. She possesses an innate ability to interpret the unique idiosyncrasies of each piece of stone carving it into diaphanous veils of rippling alabaster, or conjuring a gleaming nimbus from deep within the rock. Fraser expertly probes the limits of the physical properties of stone, pushing it to the brink of destruction, examining form, space and materiality with an earnest and palpable curiosity.
Mel Fraser traverses themes of mortality and the relentless passage of time. Her sculptures breathe life into languid, entangled figures, expressing a wide spectrum of human emotions, from sensual frivolity to the depths of passion and anguish. With their voluptuous forms, fecund vitality and serene omniscience, her female figures evoke a primordial essence of the human psyche. Her sculptures resonate with universal themes, inviting us to contemplate the profound and eternal aspects of human nature while connecting viewers to the enduring power and beauty of stone.
Mel Fraser’s work is held by collectors and corporate clients all over the world and a number of high-profile commissions include a piece sited in Frank Gehry’s Opus Building in Hong Kong and another at the headquarters of the GMB Union in London which was worked from a 10 tonne block of Kilkenny limestone. Her work has been exhibited across the UK, Europe and in New York and has been selected on numerous occasions to show at on form, the UK’s most prestigious stone-only sculpture exhibition, showing alongside Emily Young, Paul Vanstone and Peter Randall-Page.
Mel has been a member of the Royal Society of Sculptors since 2017.
Ros Thompson
To find out more about Mel please visit The Words page and to start viewing her stunning contemporary stone sculptures go to The Work.
To plan a visit to her studio please have a look at The Studio section of the web site.
Mel is happy to consider commissions. To get in touch please go to the Contact page
Photogragh by Ros Fraser
In 2025 Mel will be exhibiting at the London Art Fair in Islington from January 21st-26th with Gallery Different, at Fresh Art Fair at London’s Alexandra Palace 31st January to the 2nd of February with Synergy Fine Art, at the Affordable Art Fair at Battersea Park March 12-16th with Kingsford Gallery, at the Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, 7-11th May and at Stone at Falconhurst in Kent from 29th June to 26th July.
Mel will be opening her studio during the month of July as part of Cambridge Open Studios.
Sensuality in Stone will be returning to the J/M Gallery in Notting Hill’s Portobello Road where Mel will be exhibiting alongside Aly Brown, Kim Francis and Ana Ruiz Agüí. This year’s dates are the 2-7th October.
On the last two weekends in November (22-23 & 29-30th) Mel will be exhibiting with Abi Cochran silversmith and jewellery magician and Loukas Morley painter, furniture maker and all round top man at The Gallery in her home town of Cambridge.
To discuss availability of pieces, prices, commissions or a visit to the studio, copy and paste melfraser.sculpture@gmail.com into your email programme. Mel’s studio is 6 miles east of Cambridge and can be visited by appointment.
‘Stone has its own life. Mel, with her exceptional talent and passion, lights the magic within, giving it the glory and soul.’
Angie, Hanoi Art House.
Image by Stefanie Reichelt
Words and photography by Johny Love unless otherwise credited. Web site by Webstar Deluxe.
