Jennifer Nicholls: Blackburn research

I went out with Debbie and Kirsty around the town of Blackburn, as we didn't want to go far I decided to concentrate on the statues and sculptures of the town, of which there are plenty. The first one I captured was this one, I looked for writing around the base to try and find out some information about it but there was none. Whilst looking through the pictures in class though (INSERT NAME) told me the there had been a big up roar about the woman not wearing a wedding ring. Which I did not know but now I have found out this about it:

‘Controversial’ sculpture gets new site in Blackburn centre revamp

1:30pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in NewsBy Bill Jacobs, Local government reporter

IN PLACE Mother and Child in Lord Square

THE much-loved, yet once controversial Mother and Child sculpture removed from Lord Square in 2007 is about to be reinstated in Blackburn.

Next week it will be given a new life in Cardwell Place as the regeneration of the town centre continues.

The larger-than-life size statue was created in 1974 by Welsh artist Robert Thomas, whose most famous commission was the only sculpture Princess Diana sat for, a portrait bust.

The Mother and Child was moved in August 2007 from Lord Square where it stood for more than 30 years, to make way for the redevelopment of the Mall shopping centre and keep it safe from building works.

Now the statue is to be positioned on Cardwell Place next week.

An official unveiling of the statue is being planned which the sculptor’s wife Mary Thomas and her son Derw – who was two when they modelled for the sculpture – will attend.

Mr Thomas’s other children, painter Ceri and doctor Sara will be there, as will his grandsons.

Executive member for regeneration Dave Harling said: “I am delighted this sculpture will be returning to our town centre. I know people have been asking about when it would be returning so it is fantastic news that it will be taking pride of place in our new town centre scheme.”

Robert Thomas, who died in 1999, was commissioned by development company John Laing to create Mother and Child for £2,000.

The statue was gifted to Blackburn with Darwen Council by its then owners, The Mall.

The statue caused a stir when it was first erected, as the woman had not been wearing a wedding ring.

Mrs Thomas said: “I am delighted that the Mother and Child has been given a new home. It will be a family affair at the official unveiling.

"We are all hoping to be there – especially Derw. Robert would be delighted to know the statue is coming back home.”

After turing around from the mother and child I noticed the nice line that the car park ramp gave with it's detailing and the nice blue sky. Probably could have been composed better, if I stood on the stone seats or moved across to the left a bit.

Then I got a little bit side tract taking pictures in the Cathedral Sacred Burial

Ground and the people in it.

Which lead to this sculpture of a Grandmother and Child.

"Grandmother and Child" by Alan Wilson 1996 "Grandmother and Child" by Alan Wilson 1996 (Sculpture) The Boulevard, Blackburn, Lancashire Statue Art Work

This is all the information I could find on this statue but i've always liked it because I was walking past it with my partners Nieces (aged then at 12 and 13), they were saying how mean the Grandma was for dragging the kid away from the teddy. Yet I always saw it as her looking back to find out what was happening with the child. Also you don't always find that sculptures have independent pieces included within them.

Which then lead me onto this statue of Queen Victoria, I was stood at the benches when I noticed the leaves framed her. I thought i'd try one shot with the Queen in focus and the leaves out and Visa Versa because even if she isn't in focus, you can still tell what the statue is of.