Emmeline Pankhurst commission

 

Since 2014, Councillor Andrew Simcock has been leading the WoManchester Statue project to erect a statue of a woman of significance to Manchester. In 2016 it was announced that Emmeline Pankhurst was selected after a vote by over 5,000 people to be the subject of the first new statue of a woman there for over a century.

The search for a sculptor began, with Helen Pankhurst, Emmeline’s great-grandaughter, part of the selection panel. You can imagine how exciting this project is for me, with my background in promoting women’s rights and gender equality over many years. Emmeline is one of my heroes, an inspiring leader of the Suffragette movement, born in Moss Side in 1858.

So I was delighted to make it into the final 6 shortlisted proposals for St Peter’s Square, Manchester. All six commissioned bronze maquettes will be unveiled at the Houses of Parliament on the 27 February 2017, before going on show in Manchester on the 2 March.

The above photos are of a life-size portrait I sculpted of Emmeline Pankhurst as part of my proposal.

 

8 Comments

  1. Many congrats. I love the Marquettes. Such dignity and presence!
    Hoping for success. All the Best. Ralph

    1. Thank you so much for your encouragement Ralph. I hope you can make it up to the unveiling of the maquettes on the 27 February at the Houses of Parliament. Email me for an invitation. Best wishes, Hazel
      : )

    1. Really appreciate your comment Karin – those were aspects I really wanted to come through. Thank you! Hazel : )

  2. What a wonderful project! I’m sure you’re the perfect sculptor to bring this amazing lady to life. Crossing my fingers that the powers that be think so too.

    All the best, Belinda

    1. I feel more confident now I know you have your fingers-crossed for me Belinda! Thank you : )

    1. Thanks so much Nina – I have been overwhelmed by the positive response to my Emmeline : )

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