Henri Gaudier-Brzeska: Life and Legacy Early Life and Artistic Beginnings Henri Gaudier-Brzeska was born as Henri Gaudier in Saint-Jean-de-Braye, France, on October 4, 1891. He later adopted the surname of his lifelong companion, Sophie Brzeska. His father was a carpenter, an influence that would profoundly shape his approach to sculpture. Initially self-taught, Gaudier moved to London in 1910 with Sophie, seeking artistic opportuniti…