Last night, guests were invited to be the first to see two new bronze sculptures of notable people from Preston, leading suffragette and women's rights campaigner Edith Rigby and a pioneerof the industrial revolution Richard Arkwright.
The works were created by Preston-born sculptor Peter Hodgkinson and generously funded by local businessman Wilf Boardman.
They will anchor the complex stories that surround these two individuals in The Harris so that visitors can consider their legacy within Preston’s local story and wider national history.
The figures, which you can read more about here, can be seen in the Discover Preston Gallery at The Harris, Preston.
Speaking at the official presentation, proud Prestonian Wilf said: “I wondered for years and years why there was no statue of Arkwight in the country... So many times I lost the faith in ever doing this, I nearly packed in but didn't. I was always encouraged by somebody or other and eventually this happened. [The statues are] an inspiration for the children there, particularly Edith Rigby, and it should certainly inspire any kids with any ambition don’t you think?"
Judy Beeston, a member of the Friends of Edith Rigby added: “I’m absolutely delighted this evening that eventually Preston has recognized Edith, our most famous suffragette in Preston. And I think the sculpture is lovely. You can identify with her as a keen cyclist and I think she looks very relaxed on the statue. She's quite a figure.
“Although not many women are fortunate enough to have a statue to commemorate their famous life, at least the people of Preston will benefit from seeing the statue that we've got here of Edith and I hope they will remember, not just the suffragette years, but everything else that she did for the people of Preston while she was living here.”
Our photographer headed down on the opening night to capture the scenes and you can take a look at those pictures next...
1. Sculptures of historic Prestonians unveiled (1)
Members of Friends of Edith Rigby are delighted to see the new sculptures in place. | National World
2. Sculptures of historic Prestonians unveiled (2)
Guests were invited to be the first to see two new bronze sculptures of notable people from Preston, Edith Rigby and Richard Arkwright. | National World
3. Sculptures of historic Prestonians unveiled (3)
Figure of leading suffragette and women's rights campaigner Edith Rigby at The Harris. | National World
4. Sculptures of historic Prestonians unveiled (4)
Figure of a pioneerof the industrial revolution Richard Arkwright at The Harris. | National World
