Few artists in the world of sculpture have created such a distinctive style — and such a devoted following — as Matt Buckley, the creative force behind Edge Sculpture. With his raw, textured forms and emotionally charged subjects, Buckley has taken contemporary sculpture in a bold new direction. But where did it all begin?
This is the story of how one man’s vision turned stone and resin into art — and how Edge Sculpture became a modern collectible phenomenon.
Matt Buckley was born into a family already immersed in creativity. His stepfather, Robert Harrop, was a well-known sculptor who ran his own figurine company, best known for the Doggie People and Beano & Dandy licensed pieces. Buckley was surrounded by sculpture from a young age, and it quickly became part of his world.
Before launching his own artistic brand, Buckley worked in theatre set design, where he honed his sense of scale, drama, and texture. This theatrical influence is evident in Edge Sculpture’s dramatic forms — expressive eyes, exaggerated features, and powerful physical presence.
In the early stages of his career, Matt trained under Robert Harrop, mastering the technical and commercial sides of sculpture production. This experience was essential: he learned how to take an idea from sketch to sculpture, then into moulds, and finally to finished, painted artwork.
For over 20 years, Matt contributed to the Robert Harrop Designs range, eventually becoming Creative Director. But over time, he began to feel the pull of something different — something more raw, more personal, and more contemporary.
In 2012, Matt launched Edge Sculpture as a passion project within the Harrop studio — and it took off faster than anyone expected.
The goal was clear: to create bold, emotionally charged pieces with a stone-like texture, drawing inspiration from animals, mythology, and human emotion. Every Edge Sculpture is designed by hand, sculpted from clay, and then cast in a unique stone-resin composite that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern durability.
What made Edge Sculpture stand out?
Stylised realism: The pieces weren’t photorealistic, but they felt alive.
Texture and depth: Each sculpture appears as if chiselled from stone.
Expression: Whether it’s the fierce eyes of a lion or the calm gaze of an angel, the emotional power is undeniable.
Though Edge Sculpture has grown into a major collectible brand, it remains intensely personal. Every original sculpt is still created by Matt himself in his Shropshire-based studio in the UK.
From there, the pieces are:
Sculpted by hand in clay
Cast in moulds using stone-resin
Hand-painted to achieve a consistent but unique finish
Inspected for quality before shipping to collectors and retailers
Matt’s studio has become a hub of creativity, where new designs emerge organically and often reflect what’s happening in the world — both culturally and emotionally.
Matt’s work draws from a wide range of inspirations:
Nature & Wildlife – Lions, wolves, elephants, owls — all sculpted with dignity and power
Fantasy & Mythology – Dragons, masks, angels, and Wood Elfs that evoke mystery and strength
Spirituality & Symbolism – Pieces like the Venus or the Angel bust represent deeper meanings
There’s a narrative behind every piece, even if it’s unspoken. That’s part of what makes Edge Sculpture so collectable — the sense of storytelling through form.
Over the last decade, Matt Buckley and Edge Sculpture have gained massive popularity — not just in the UK, but across Europe, the US, and beyond. Major galleries and home décor stores now feature Edge Sculptures, and online communities of collectors share their displays, trades, and wishlists with passion.
In 2022, Edge Sculpture won Best Decorative Product at the Gift of the Year Awards — a sign that the industry, as well as collectors, recognises Buckley’s contribution.
Matt continues to innovate with new subjects, colourways, and formats. From busts to full-body creatures, he’s always exploring the next evolution of Edge — while staying true to the core style that made it iconic.
New releases often sell out quickly, and with retired pieces becoming increasingly sought-after, the future of Edge Sculpture looks every bit as bold as its past.
Matt Buckley isn’t just an artist — he’s a storyteller, a craftsman, and a visionary. Edge Sculpture isn’t just décor — it’s art with character, created by hand, and built to last.
Whether you’re a lifelong collector or new to the world of Edge, knowing the story behind the sculptor adds a new level of appreciation.
👉 Explore more Edge stories, reviews, and rare finds right here at Edge Collectors.
View The Full Edge Catalogue of Sculptures
Join The Conversations In The Dedicated Edge Collectors Forum
Find Your Next Sculpture in the Edge Collectors Market Place – New or Second Hand
