Born London. Studied engineering at Christ's College, Cambridge before turning to sculpture. Trained at Regent Street Polytechnic, 1946-7 and Royal Academy Schools, 1947-50. 1951 assistant to Henry Moore. 1952 began teaching sculpture at St Martin's School of Art. 1956 first solo exhibition held at Gallerie der Naviglio, Milan. 1959 met Clement Greenburg and visited USA, and the following year made his first abstract steel sculpture. 1963 taught at Birmingham College, Vermont and again in 1965. Also taught at St Martin's School of Art and since the '60s has been a leading figure in British sculpture, with an international reputation and numerous exhibitions at home an d abroad. 1969 awarded CBE; knighted 1987.