New Statue of Mary Wollstonecraft

[belleager]

I don't think anyone has posted on this yet, but I remember people discussing fundraisers in this section. The artists have finished their 50cm scale model. It's based on Martin Jennings' work as proposed, but another sculptor, Emma Lavender, is developing the project. I think she's done an extraordinary job - here are photos. They're now looking for a home for the full size version

I love her hands, her posture, and the shape of it all. Hate the cold vulnerable look of Hambling's. You see this and want to know more about this woman and her work.

Oh that's so much better.

I'm looking forward to discussing with my IB English class - we do quite a bit on female representation. The Hambling was not regarded with approval.

Oh thank god for that.

Oh yes I prefer this, much more fitting. Thank you.

This is great. I heard gambling being interviewed on radio 4 and she is an artist who does what she wants and feels. Which is fine. But I don't think appropriate for a public art project which has to resonate with the people who care about the figure you're sculpting.
I think Hambling is a tremendous artist but she was the wrong choice for this artwork and her interpretation is personal and misguided.

I would fund Lavender's work.

I love the spirit of the new one - it's has more raw power to it

So many new builds springing up around me. Off to see if my county can nab this... beautifully executed.

This is so beautiful. Love that it has a seat. I'd love to sit there and chat or read or just admire the statue.

I'd be jealous - not that my county would have any hope. Wish she could make a few.

Baroness Hale is head of the panel to realise this project apparently. Good luck.

This is much more like it. I was so disappointed in the other one.

Looks beautiful but with Mary standing on the edge of a raised platform, I’m reminded that she tried to kill herself at one point by jumping into a river. I’m s

Pressed post too early. I’m sure it’s not a real issue but just what came to mind.

Doesn't look that suggestive to me - she's holding a quill, wearing a dressing gown, steadying a pile of books. But what you see first can be hard to shake. it's worth saying too that she wasn't ashamed of that attempt and saw it as a rational exercise of the will.

LOVE IT!!!

I really like the naked one as a piece of art & concept, and I feel energised but the idea of a generic, naked everywoman rising from the sum as everything that's been before ...

But I would love to see this statue of her made, rather than a generic she.

She's not - the raised platform (functionally a bench) is behind her.

Absolutely.

So much better as a tribute and representation especially with the books.

It’s so good!

Yes I like the other one as a concept in its own right. But not as a representation of Mary Wollstonecraft.

I wish a copy of this could go in every town square in the country!

That is beautiful, I love the expression on her face. Much more fitting.

I love this! Would travel to see this. I love the energy and expression.

A statue to non-binary hero Wollstonecraft!

joking, but you know that’s next. “She argued for education for women so she was really a man!”