Tom Duncan’s love for sculpture began at age 4 when he was given a clay set by his aunt. Born in Scotland in 1939 just before World War II broke out, he moved with his mother and brother to New York City shortly after the war ended. Much of Duncan’s artwork reflects memories of his childhood during the war.

He is an original tenant at Westbeth, where his three daughters, Rachel, Gwynne, and Jane, grew up. In his Westbeth studio, he has created mixed media pieces like Dedicated to Coney Island and Portrait of Tom with a Migraine Headache, each of which took some twenty-five years to complete.

Tom Duncan (b. 1939) Detail of The Execution of Private Slovik, 2009 mixed media 74 x 21.5 x 12.5 inches

Tom Duncan (b. 1939) Detail of 5 Catholic High School Girls ..., 2001 Mixed media 37 x 22 x 1.5 inches

Tom Duncan (b. 1939) Portrait of Tom with a Migraine Headache, 2013 Mixed media 128.75 x 61.5 inches