RENOWNED sculptor Graham Ibbeson’s latest work is set to be on display at the Reds’ Yorkshire derby clash against Bradford City - ahead of plans to raise enough cash to fund a replica in London’s Leicester Square.
The life-size model of the Kes’ Billy Casper, called the ‘Spirit of Defiance’, will be shown to spectators from the pitch-side at half-time tomorrow.
David ‘Dai’ Bradley - who played Billy - and author Ronnie Steele will explain over the public address system how sales from the new statue will fund their most ambitious project yet.
They aim to raise enough money to pay for a bronze replica of the Kes statue that currently stands outside the Alhambra, on Cheapside.
This ‘copy’ will then be given pride of place in Leicester Square - the heart of British cinema - standing alongside models of the most iconic film characters such as Mary Poppins, Paddington Bear and Mr Bean.
Graham has done much to raise the profile of the town through his unique, poignant and often humorous work which can be seen both in Barnsley and locations all around the UK.
His bulging catalogue of work includes several in Barnsley town centre - such as the Kes statue, his ‘Reverence’ Covid-19 remembrance piece and Dickie Bird - as well as his depictions of Eric Morecambe, Don Revie, Benny Hill and Laurel and Hardy.
Graham, who received his MBE last year, told the Chronicle: “Spirit of Defiance is exactly what its title says and it represents Barnsley’s identity.
“To have a piece of the town in London would be a wonderful honour, but it’s where Billy Casper deserves to be as it will be among the biggest names in film.
“Kes is world-renowned and rightly so.”
The 1969 film, directed by Ken Loach, is based on the previous year’s novel A Kestrel for a Knave, written by Barry Hines.
It follows the story of Billy, who comes from a working-class family and discovers his own means of fulfilment when he adopts a fledgling kestrel and proceeds to train it in the art of falconry.
It was ranked seventh in the British Film Institute’s top 100 films.
Ronnie added: “This is a huge honour for Barnsley and everyone associated with the making of the film ‘Kes’.
“It’s truly heart-warming that Barnsley Football Club, Barnsley Council, and, above all, Barnsley’s people, are keen to support us.
“We’re all hoping that the unveiling of Billy and his kestrel in Leicester Square in 2028, will coincide with our town being chosen as the first ‘UK Town of Culture’.
“What a year that would be.”
