Alexander Calder was an American artist known for creating moving mobiles and sculptures made of wire. Some of his most famous works included large outdoor sculptures like "Flamingo" in Chicago and "L'Homme" in France, which measures over 20 meters tall. Calder was also an inventor who pioneered kinetic sculptures that moved through motors or air currents, like his mobile "Red Lily Pads" displayed at the Guggenheim Museum.

2. Who Was Alexander Calder?
Alexander Calder was an American artist, known for his sculptures.
Some of his models were made to be moving mobiles which hang from
ceilings or stands. He also created large sculptures that are displayed
in public.
Here are some facts about him:
• He was born 22nd July 1898.
• He was from Pennsylvania, USA.
• He came from a family of artists
- his grandfather was also a sculptor.

3. Who Was Alexander Calder?
Here are some more facts about him:
• He was not always an artist.
• He studied engineering at university when he was younger.
• He was known as ‘Sandy’ by his friends.
• He died 11th November 1976.

4. Moving Mobiles
Did You Know…?
Alexander Calder was an inventor of sculptures
made with wire and also mobiles which move.
A mobile is a piece of art that has more than one
object hanging down from a point.
Calder used motors to move some of his mobiles.
Others were powered by movements in the air.
Here are some examples of his mobile sculptures:
“A Universe - Alexander Calder” by xennex is licensed under FAIR USE. Please note: This image has been cropped.
“ Untitled – Alexander Calder” by xennex is licensed under FAIR USE Please note: This image has been cropped.
For educational use only
For educational use only

5. Sculptures in the Public
Calder did not just produce small pieces of artwork.
Some of his sculptures were enormous in size.
This piece is named ‘Flamingo’. It is on display in Chicago and was made
in 1974.
Look carefully at the image.
Can you tell what material it is
made from?
How long do you think it would
take to build a structure like this?
“Flamingo - Alexander Calder” by xennex is licensed under FAIR USE.
For educational use only

6. Sculptures in the Public
Look at the image of this sculpture.
What do you think it is?
What do you think it might be called?
For educational use only
The sculpture was made in 1967.
It measures around 21 metres (68ft) tall. It is
one of Calder’s largest art pieces.
It is made from stainless steel plates and bolts.
The French name is ‘L’Homme’.
In English, this is ‘Man’.
As you walk around the sculpture, you would
see different images and shapes within it.
“Three Discs (The Man) - Alexander Calder” by xennex is licensed under FAIR USE.
For educational use only

7. Name the Sculpture
Talk About It
Look at the photograph of this sculpture.
What can you see?
What does it look like?
What do you think it might be called?
The sculpture is called ‘Red Lily Pads’.
This is a giant hanging mobile on
display in the Solomon R. Guggenheim
Museum in New York City.
The mobile was built in 1956.
It is made up of simple shapes, like
circles and ovals which hang above
the ground. They are supposed to look
similar to lily pad leaves floating on
the surface of water.
For educational use only
“Red Lily Pads” - Alexander Calder” by xennex is licensed under FAIR USE
For educational use only
“Red Lily Pads” - Alexander Calder” by xennex is licensed under FAIR USE

8. Inspiration
Alexander Calder’s work as an artist had
an unusual beginning.
He loved visiting the circus in Paris and
this inspired him to make his own
miniature version.
He would pack the models into suitcases
and create little shows for his friends.
From this, the idea to create moving
mobiles was brought to life.

9. Materials
Most of Calder’s art pieces were made from
metal in some form.
He was known to carry metal wire in his
pockets so that he could ‘draw’ when he was
out and about.
He shaped the wire into different forms.
He used pliers to help him create the shapes
and patterns.
“Elephant” - Alexander Calder” by yigruzeltil is licensed under FAIR USE
For educational use only

10. What Else Did He Make?
Although he was most well known for his
mobiles and sculptures, Calder did produce
other types of artwork.
He created:
• Jewellery
• Painting
• Sets (background boards) for theatre plays
• Costumes
“FLOWER NECKLACE” - Alexander Calder” by xennex is licensed under FAIR USE
“White Fields” - Alexander Calder” by xennex is licensed under FAIR USE For educational use only
For educational use only

11. Reflection
If you were asked to make a giant metal sculpture to go outside, what
would you make?
What is important to you?
What do you think is important to other people?
Nature
Friends
Family
Music
Food