SCULPTOR’S PRIDE AT STATUE RESTORATION JOB

A North Wales sculptor has spoken of his pride at getting the job of restoring Llandudno’s White Rabbit statue.

Nick Elphick vowed to return the statue in his home town to “perfect condition”, and appealed to a grandson of the original designer to come forward with plans to help the work.

The Grade II listed statue was unveiled by former Prime Minister David Lloyd George at West Shore in 1933.

After vandalism, it was removed for repairs by Conwy County Borough Council three years ago.

But there was an outcry after three Llandudno councillors found it unprotected against the elements in a local authority yard in Colwyn Bay.

Cllr Carol Marubbi said she was “shocked” to find the statue in a “terrible state”.

Within days, it was delivered to Mr Elphick’s studio on Builder Street.

He said: “I’m well chuffed I’ve got this job. I’m really proud. I have trained all my life for this and I can recarve marble. I know what I’m doing. It’ll be perfect.”

But he admitted: “I’m under pressure. This is a big part of Llandudno’s history.”

Mr Elphick is expecting the work to take several months.

He appealed for a descendant of the original designer to come forward.

He said: “I went to the gym the other day and bumped into this lad. We got talking and he said ‘My Grandad sculpted that. We still have original drawings in the attic. I’ll give you a call.’

“But he disappeared and I’ve not heard from him.”

Mr Elphick asked the man to get in touch at his studio.

The restored White Rabbit statue will be placed at the tram shelter on Gloddaeth Street.