Mark Stoddart

Mark Stoddart (born 1960) is a Scottish sculptor and furniture designer. He is known for his glass topped coffee and dining tables which incorporate bronze sculptures. Having had a difficult schooling until his severe dyslexia was picked up, he has become an ambassador for those affected by the condition.

Mark Stoddart at a Rotary conference in 2024

Early life

Born in 1960 in Troon,^[1] he attended various schools until, at the age of twelve, teachers discovered he was dyslexic. He was then sent to Frewen College, a school in Sussex which offered specialised teaching.^[2]

Career

After leaving school he returned to Scotland and in 1994 set up his own business, Sculpt Art Creations where he began to produce works inspired by his travels.^[3][4][5] After some success, Sculpt Art gave way to the company that bears his name today, Mark Stoddart International Designer.

He has produced several table designs which feature a bronze cast sculpture acting as the base, appear to be emerging from the water surface, created by the glass.^[6][7] Some of his designs were made to a limited edition of only 99.

In 2008 Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer purchased three tables that had horse-themed designs.^[8]

Stoddart produced tables which featured a bronze sculpture of the Apollo Lunar Module as the base and a glass top inscribed with the words spoken by Neil Armstrong as he stepped onto the lunar surface in 1969. One of these tables is kept in the Scottish Parliament,^[1] others were purchased by astronomer Sir Patrick Moore and American astronaut Buzz Aldrin.^[2]

Other high-profile clients include, Eric Clapton,^[9] the jockey Frankie Dettori and Elton John.^[2]

In 2014 he retrieved a sculpture after a dispute over ownership with a local hotel.^[9]

Charity connections

The 99th piece of his "Walk on the Wildside" table was auctioned in 2007 and the proceeds donated to a wildlife charity.^[10] He has donated the sale price of seven works to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.^[11]

He has worked as a dyslexia ambassador^[12] and his story was included in the book "Dyslexia and Us: A collection of personal stories".^[13]

Personal life

Stoddart now lives in Turnberry in Ayrshire. Stoddart owns a Gordon Keeble car, of which only 99 were ever produced.^{[citation needed]}