Tennants Auctioneers
Lot 1064
Graham Ibbeson MA (b.1951) Eric Morecambe Maquette Signed and inscribed A/P, bronze, 38.5cm high See illustration Sold together with a copy of ''Graham Ibbeson - The People's Sculptor - Bronze, Clay and Life'' and a certificate of authenticity Born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire Graham Ibbeson has been a professional sculptor since graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1978. He has developed an international reputation exhibiting in galleries throughout Europe, the USA, and Asia as well as his work being held in many private and public collections. Ibbeson's ability to capture the essence of a character with warmth and humanity sets him apart from many other sculptors. He brings an element of understanding to his portraiture that's deeper than just a likeness; his sculptures have soul, and he gives us a unique glimpse into the characters of our peers and idols through his remarkable work ... a lasting legacy as the People's Sculptor. This Maquette was produced in 1993 to secure the public sculpture commission of the 'Eric Morecambe Statue' for Morecambe, Lancashire. The Statue was unveiled in 1999 by Her Majesty The Queen. It proved that popular that in the first year after its unveiling, extra visitor numbers to the resort of Morecambe, generated more than £1million in car parking fees alone. The Statue is said to be the most photographed public sculpture in the North West of England, and has continued to generate many millions of pounds for the resort over the past 22 years. Gold plated bronze casts of the maquette were used has a 'Comic Heritage Award', recipients included: Norman Wisdom, Victoria Wood, Thora Hird, and Bruce Forsyth. Only 10 bronze cast were produced in total, before the mould was destroyed. This example is the Artist / Proof from Graham Ibbeson's personal collection, the very first bronze cast, and the very first image that was approved by the commission body, and the family, and estate, of The late Eric Morecambe. Some light surface dirt, otherwise good condition.
