Armitage was also inspired by ancient Egyptian art, saying ‘it came like a gust of fresh air – pure, direct and simple. The difficult thing about figurative art is to make it simple’.

Around 1960, Armitage created several figures on their backs, reminiscent of Moore’s reclining figures, but often in comic or helpless poses. Figure on its Back seems pinned down and injured, but it also has a relaxed, or resigned, attitude. If considered as a silhouette, the stake is like a tank turret, suggesting a poignant integration of weaponry and humanity.

Armitage was born in Leeds and was one of the foremost sculptors of post-war Britain.