The Secret Middle film of sculptor 

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This film features the artwork of acclaimed sculptor Austin Wright and gives a fascinating insight into the methods and inspiration behind some of his most recognizable pieces. The film highlights the evolution of Wright's style as well as his use of different raw materials to produce sculptures which act as analogies to elements in nature and even anatomy that have inspired him and his work. The film also features rare images of the sculptor at work in his back shed creating and arranging various pieces for display.
The film opens with the following titles:
Distributed by Concord Film Council
This film was made with the assistance of the Yorkshire Arts Association
A Yorkshire Arts Association Film
Inside his workspace, there are tools hanging on the walls, and crude woodwork support beams hold the structure in place. The workspace used to be a stable, and Wright has kept much of the tools from its previous use as inspiration.
Wright's first pieces were carved from blocks of wood received from a wheelwright he met. He shows and explains the different designs of his wood carvings. The Secret Middle arises from those shapes created by working logs of wood. Wright equates the image to the feeling of being wrapped in a big coat facing the cold; the centre the tree grows; the inner warmth of the body.
There working and casting lead, Wright explains how the inspiration for these human-like figures came from watching people getting together to line up for the bus and the space leftover and in between the units within this group. The film shows early idea sketches as well as Wright arranging pieces pushing the boundaries to see how far the figures can be from each other and still feel like part of the same group.
Wright describes the happiness his work gives him, and as such, he does not believe he could give it up. Forms repeat themselves in his artwork and act as analogies which lead back to things one recognizes providing memories. The film closes with a final look at many of the sculptures which Wright has created during his time as a sculptor.
Title - Grateful thank you to the following for their advice and assistance:
Jim Hawkings
Liveseys of Hull, Photographic
John Valentine Photography, Hull
Hull University Botany Department
Albert Cool Metal Foundry, Hull
Norman Green, Cottingham
Max Alexander
Title - Sound: Jim Hawkings
Camera: Harry Duffin
Producer and Director: Harry Duffin