Reg Butler (born Reginald Cotterell Butler) was born on April 28, 1913, in Buntingford, England. From 1937 until 1939, Butler studied at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. There he learned the essentials of his craft, which he later expertly demonstrated in his artistic works.
He was one of the first European artists to distance himself from traditional techniques and welded and installed his sculptures as metal constructions that appear to consist of single unconnected pieces.
In 1953, Reg Butler won the competition "Unknown Political Prisoner" and participated in the "documenta" exhibition in Kassel. He was soon one of the most well known sculptors in England.
As a teacher, Reg Butler worked at the Slade School of Art in London. In the 1970's, he aroused great interest with his painted bronze figures and his abstract, morbid female forms.
Reg Butler died on October 23, 1981, in Berkhamsted, England.