Charles Hadcock

Location: Preston | UK

Charles Hadcock is a contemporary sculptor. Born in Derby in 1965 into a family of design engineers., he discovered his love of making in his father’s workshop  at a very early age.  Charles was educated at Ampleforth College in Yorkshire, moving on to a Foundation Course at Derby College of Higher Education, then a degree in Fine Art at GLOSCAT,  Gloucester and an MA at the Royal College, London.

Critically acclaimed in the national press for his sell out Royal College MA show, Charles moved straight into a studio practice  in Bermondsey, London and has sold and exhibited his work consistently for the past 30 years.  He has been commissioned to produce permanent sculpture for public parks and squares, and for private organisations and individuals around the world.

Charles specialises in making large scale, cast metal sculptures.  It is very important to him that his hand is present at all times in  his work, and unusually in todays ‘production house’ environment, Charles is involved in every process of a sculptures production.  The hands on approach means he is constantly honing his techniques and being informed of the capabilities of the materials he works with.   Charles works closely with a variety of engineers, pattern makers and foundries around the UK but especially in Lancashire.

In addition to being a Sculptor, Charles has a variety of business interests.  Together with his wife Camilla they own and run Roach Bridge Tissues a specialist printing company producing bespoke branded wrapping tissue paper.  Charles is also the Development Director of the Roach Bridge Mill site where he developed and project managed the successful installation of a 230Kwh hydro electricity generating plant, and where the long term vision includes a multi occupancy office complex and workshop units powered by self -generated hydro electricity. 

Seeking a sustainable way  in which to create a studio in Lancashire, Charles bought the ex North West Water building in Preston which he redeveloped into The Watermark Studio complex and filled with other artists and creative businesses, in the process forming an ‘incubator’ which in turn led to the formation of  Creative Lancashire, a support service for creative businesses. Charles has been its Chairman since its inception in 2003.  Creative Lancashire is a conduit, advocate, champion, advisor, networker and facilitator for all creative businesses in Lancashire.

In 2007 Charles was a lifetime recipient of  the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion in recognition of his work in this field.

Charles has a long involvement with UCLAN, starting almost as soon as he moved to Lancashire when he signed up for the Artist Access to Art School scheme in 1999.  He is an enthusiastic supporter of the Art and Fashion departments, has sat on the judging panel for the Lancashire Arts Award Festival  and is a regular speaker at UCLAN Awards and Degree Show ceremonies.  Through Creative Lancashire, he has the opportunity to have ongoing contact and mentoring of past students who continue a career in the Arts in Lancashire.