Reg Butler (specifically Reginald Cotterell Butler) was born on April 28, 1913, in Buntingford, England. Butler studied at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London from 1937 until 1939. He was one of the first European artists to distance himself from traditional techniques. He welded and installed his sculptures as metal constructions that appear to consist of single unconnected pieces. Butler won the competition "Unknown Political Prisoner" in 1953 and participated in the documenta exhibition in Kassel in 1955. He had quickly become one of the most well known sculptors in England. Reg Butler taught at the Slade School of Art in London. Reg Butler died on October 23, 1981, in Berkhamsted, England.