Sam Gathercole

What do we uncover when we look beyond the clean lines of an artwork and into the thinking that shaped it?
 Mary Martin’s work often appears minimal, but its foundations are anything but simple.

In this episode, I speak with Sam Gathercole, Senior Lecturer in Contextual and Theoretical Studies at London College of Communication, whose knowledge of British constructivism provides a clear and grounded way into understanding Martin’s practice. Sam situates her work within the wider post-war landscape, highlighting the intellectual rigour, structural clarity, and mathematical thinking that underpin her constructions.

We explore how Martin’s approach aligns with and diverges from the work of other British constructivists, the influence of architecture and spatial design, and the discipline required to achieve the sense of order in her reliefs and installations. Sam’s insights help reveal the depth behind the restraint: the quiet, thoughtful decisions that give Martin’s work its lasting impact.

This conversation forms part of a wider series exploring Mary Martin’s life, practice, and legacy through the voices of artists, curators, and those connected to her work.

🎧 Listen now and explore the full series.