Scottish Royal sculptor tipped for Diana statue
THE search for the sculptor to make a statue of Princess Diana to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her death has produced a favourite, I can reveal.
A committee acting for Princes William and Harry has approached Scottish artist Philip Jackson, who has a penchant for Royals and footballers. The raffish Sussex-based sculptor has made bronzes of the Queen Mother and George VI, as well as ex-English football captain Bobby Moore and Chelsea legend Peter Osgood.
But Jackson, who is also known for favouring cravats, was less than forthcoming when I asked him about his Royal commission for the statue, which Diana’s boys will be able to see from their home at Kensington Palace.
‘I can’t say anything at all. Sorry about that. I’m just not able to say anything, it’s as simple as that. Anything else I am very happy to talk to you about,’ he said. The choice would be rather clever as Jackson straddles both ancient and modern traditions of art. He is also seen as a Royal insider, having being made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
The art committee includes Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, the Princes’ former private secretary, as well as Gerry Farrell, the Mayfair gallery owner, and Old Etonian financier Guy Monson.
One insider suggested there may be a surprise in store, as the statue could also feature Diana’s two sons running alongside her or holding her hands.
If chosen, Jackson will want to get cracking. He takes at least three months painstakingly carving clay moulds with a stainless steel armature, before using a laser grid to make his castings ultra-accurate. One word of warning: he also makes faceless statues with deliberately disproportionate limbs. Not a good idea this time!