Bobby Ball statue a key step closer as commission issued

A memorial statue to comedy legend Bobby Ball in his adopted Fylde home has moved a key step closer.
By Tony Durkin
Published 5th May 2021, 15:45 BST
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Fylde Council and the Lowther Trust, which governs the intended site for the tribute in Lytham’s Lowther Gardens, have issued a Public Art Commission for the statue.

The invitation has been published on the contracts finder section of the national Government website and closing date for a applications, to Fylde Council, is June 8, with the contract for the work due to start on July 6 and to end on May 31 next year.

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It is described on the website as “a public art commission to research, design, fabricate and deliver a permanent sculpture/statue in celebration of one of Britain’s most popular entertainers”.

Bobby Ball in typical pose with his long-time comedy partner Tommy CannonBobby Ball in typical pose with his long-time comedy partner Tommy Cannon
Bobby Ball in typical pose with his long-time comedy partner Tommy Cannon
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£100,000 fund-raising drive to be launched for Bobby Ball statue in Lytham

They are likely to include lighting, paving, furniture and planting and a Fylde Council spokesman said: “The detail of those works will be specified by the winning artist/sculptor as part of the overall project and then will be ‘advertised’ to local contractors.”

In agreement with Bobby’s family, the aim is for the statue to be cast in bronze, one and half times lifesize based on his 40th birthday appearance. The figure will have one leg slightly forward and be pulling on his right brace with his right thumb.

Bobby, who died in October, aged 76, was a patron of Lowther Pavilion and was also part of the team which spearheaded the first fundraising efforts for the theatre and adjacent gardens.

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The statue appeal was launched in December and currently stands at just under £24,000.

Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/campaign/bobbyballstatue

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Related topics:Bobby BallFyldeLytham