Willem Lenssinck

Ceramicist, sculptor and designer

Willem Lenssinck (1947) is a Dutch sculptor and designer known for his unique, futuristic sculptures. After graduating from the academy in Utrecht, Lenssinck began his career as a ceramicist for Royal Delft. Since 1972, he has worked independently, quickly transitioning to materials such as bronze, nickel silver, stainless steel, and aluminum. His sculptures are characterized by clean lines and polished surfaces, with themes such as horses, bulls, female figures, and guardians. The smooth surfaces may appear simple, but they are the result of a highly labor-intensive, time-consuming process. The sleek planes, combined with a unique patina and small humorous details, create an intriguing image.

A recurring theme in his work is the transition from horsepower to mechanical power. This symbolizes the technological advancement of the 20th century. He also views the car as a cultural carrier of this era. Many things we consider technically normal today often began with car designers. That is what he demonstrates in his work. What also sets Lenssinck apart from other sculptors is his pioneering role in integrating 3D technology into sculpture. He was one of the first to apply these digital techniques. It allowed him to push his creative boundaries, accelerate his work process, and discover new forms.

His work can be found in private collections and museums worldwide, including the British Museum in London and Museum Beelden aan Zee in Scheveningen. Additionally, he was represented by Kunsthaus Bühler from Stuttgart at the prestigious TEFAF art fair for 32 years. A particularly noteworthy exhibition was ‘Horse Power’ at the Louwman Museum in The Hague in 2016. This exhibition consisted of nine large-scale sculptures – Transformers – that symbolized the transition from natural horsepower to mechanical power from the automotive era of the 20th century.

Lenssinck’s innovative approach and technical perfection make him a remarkable figure in the art world. He continuously pushes the boundaries of traditional sculpture. He does not keep these innovations to himself but generously shares them with anyone who wishes to learn. This led to him being awarded the title of Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2024.