Wood? No, this Victoria statue’s made of bronze
A STATUE of Victoria Wood has been unveiled in her hometown – outside the library where she used to steal books.
Crowds of fans joined her family and friends yesterday to see the 6ft bronze sculpture, which shows the comedian holding a microphone.
The figure stands in gardens opposite the library in Bury, Greater Manchester, where she used to steal books as a schoolgirl because she was too shy to ask how to join. It was created by Graham Ibbeson, who has previously worked on a memorial to Eric Morecambe.
At yesterday’s unveiling, the star’s brother Chris Foote Wood said: ‘It’s been a fantastic privilege to be the brother of the great Victoria Wood.
‘I’ve always been in awe of her, I believe quite sincerely that Victoria Wood was one of the greatest entertainment talents ever.
‘She left us a great legacy of performance... but I wanted to see something permanent to remind us all of her presence.’
A Bafta-award winning comedian, writer and actor, Miss Wood was born in Prestwich and attended Bury Grammar School for Girls. She died of cancer in April 2016 at the age of 62. The statue was a joint project between Bury Council and Miss Wood’s estate and was paid for in part by a crowdfunding appeal.
Comedian Ted Robbins, a longterm friend of Miss Wood, officially unveiled the sculpture. He said the turnout was ‘fantastic’, adding: ‘She’d love all the people. She’d love to talk to them and say “ooh, that’s a nice cagoule”.’