Pickering belongs to a generation of post-war Modernist sculptors who valued form and the craft of making above all else. During the 1970’s, he started using geometry and mathematical science, specifically the Inversion Principle, as the inspiration for his work. Despite having no interest in representing the human body, his sculpture is firmly rooted in the twentieth century canon alongside better-known artists such as Henry Moore, Naum Gabo, Edoardo Paolozzi, or Louise Bourgeois.

During his lifetime his work was exhibited at the Royal Society of British Sculptors, the New Art Gallery Walsall, the London gallery of the Architectural Association School of Architecture and a joint exhibition with Fosters and Partners at Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge. John’s work can now be seen on the scale that he always envisaged, in a major commission of public art, at Birmingham’s tallest new office building, 103 Colmore Row. The work entitled ‘Equinox’ is lasting reminder of John, his life and his amazing work.