THE female form takes centre stage in a new art exhibition in Oxford.

The latest work from artist Mo Jupp’s 50-year sculpting career, on show at Oxford Ceramics Gallery in Walton Street until March 5, focuses on small-scale pieces.

The figures are made out of clay, and once the piece has been fired, Mr Jupp lightly sands it and applies a layer of wax polish.

Gallery owner James Fordham said: “This is a subject that has intrigued and engaged Jupp throughout his life. His early sculptural figures, slender and elongated, were inspired in part by archaic forms such as the Cycladic figurines admired by his tutor Hans Coper, and ancient Cypriot statuettes.

“He is very keen to give his figures a certain anonymity, yet they have become increasingly individual and expressive in their posture and attitude, whether kneeling, lying outstretched or, like many of the figures in this exhibition, sitting.

“They are as natural, relaxed, and as unselfconscious as Jupp’s effortless style.”