Ian asked me a question on 30th March this year. He would be the first to tell us that some answers take time. This one did, but I at last have the answer.
Back then I wrote about this wonderful sculpture
At the time the only information I had was:
Brian Alabaster of Suffolk made this sculpture in 2003. His son Sam, a 15 year old boy with Downs Syndrome sits reading with his Grandpa, Dickie, who is 82, Sam’s dog Billy, age 10, is at his feet.
I received a comment to that post at the weekend. It was from Brian Alabaster, sculptor. ARBS. Sadly, he tells me that Grandpa Dickie has since died. The close bond between man and boy is so obvious in the work and I am sure Dickis is greatly missed by all his loved ones.
So to answer Ian’s question, asking if the piece was commissioned by the local council, I can now tell you it was purchased by the owners of Junction One Shopping Outlet after they saw it in Brian’s studio.
It was with great interest and curiosity that I visited Brian’s website and was fascinated at his back story. I immediately lost my heart to this piece;
If only I had a garden suitable for Lilly Luke and Rose to sport and play.
Now if you pause for a moment you can almost hear their chatter.
Enjoy!