Victoria Wood statue returns to Bury town centre
A memorial statue of the beloved Bury actress and comedian Victoria Wood has been reinstated in Bury town centre.
The statue was knocked over in a traffic accident last summer, but has today resumed its place at the Unitarian Church Gardens.
The full-size bronze statue – a joint project of Bury Council and Victoria’s estate – was created by sculptor Graham Ibbeson. It was originally funded in part by a Crowdfunding appeal set up by Victoria’s brother Chris Foote-Wood. Many donations were received from Victoria’s fans from Bury and beyond.
Mr Foote-Wood was among those at today’s re-unveiling along with the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Khalid Hussain.
He said: “Victoria died at the peak of her powers, and it’s great to remember her in the heart of Bury – right opposite the library which she was a member of, and once sent a cheque to for the overdue books she hadn’t returned!
“I did get a shock when someone called me and said my sister had been knocked down! But I’m grateful to the council for sorting everything out, and at no cost to the taxpayer.
“To amend the Sinatra song New York, New York – ‘Victoria Wood, so good, we unveiled her twice!’”
Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and economy, said: “I am delighted to see Victoria Wood’s statue return to the town centre in Bury.
“Victoria Wood was a national treasure, and we are proud to call her one of our own. She was much-loved across Bury and beyond for her comedy, talent, and positivity. I hope that the statue continues to provide inspiration to all our budding Bury comedians, and serve as a loving memorial for her family, friends, and fans.”
Today’s event also featured brass band music from members of Bury Music Service, and the statue was blessed by the Rev Kate Brady McKenna, minister of Bury Unitarian Church.
ENDS
Picture: At the re-unveiling of the Victoria Wood statue are (from left) Cllr Charlotte Morris; Chris Foote-Wood; the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Khalid Hussain and Mrs Carol Bernstein.
Note to editors:
Victoria Wood
Multi BAFTA award-winning comedian, writer and actor Victoria Wood was born in Prestwich and attended Bury Grammar School for Girls. She died in April 2016 from cancer at the age of 62. The mother-of-two was best known for her BBC sketch Acorn Antiques and the comedy Dinnerladies. She grew to be one of the nation’s most respected and loved comedians.
Graham Ibbeson
Artist and sculptor Graham Ibbeson has created bronze sculptures that can be seen in towns and cities across the UK, including many of much-loved performers. These include the famous statue of Eric Morecambe that stands on one leg in the performer’s hometown of Morecambe, Lancashire.
