The unique and magnificent statue marking Prince Obolensky's victorious performance against the All Blacks in 1936 is being created by world famous sculptor Harry Gray. Among his works is the Battle of Britain Memorial in Dover.
It will stand in Cromwell Square in Ipswich's gastro-quarter and close to both Sir Norman Foster's Willis building and the headquarters of Call Connection, whose owner Graeme Kalbraier is the project's foremost supporter.
But what will it look like? Harry explains his ideas:
“When I began research into Prince Obolensky, the one constant that linked his famous rugby career, the fast cars and his time as a pilot flying Hurricane fighters was speed. It seems to define his brief life. The principal design style during that time was art deco, with its lines and curves which embodied the quest for speed and new machines.”
Call Connection is a major employer in Ipswich
with almost 400 people working at its offices in
Cromwell Square. It has been much to the fore
in getting the Obolensky project off the ground,
acting as the major sponsor and contributing
£20,000 towards the total project cost.
Managing Director Graeme Kalbraier says:
“We are very pleased to be able to sponsor this permanent
display right in the heart of the town centre. Prince Obolensky
was a great character in the history of rugby. The sculpture will
sit right outside our headquarters building and will be a lovely
feature in the area.” |
James Hehir, Chief Executive of Ipswich Borough Council, got the project off the ground in a private capacity as a rugby enthusiast.