Lot 31: Ivor Roberts-Jones, R.A. (1913-1996)

Ivor Roberts-Jones, R.A. (1913-1996)
Maquette for the Winston Churchill Monument in Parliament Square
stamped with foundry mark, with estate mark, numbered and dated 'IR-J 2001/A/C3' (on the base)
bronze with a dark brown patina
22½ in. (57.2 cm.) high
The present work is number 3 in an edition of 3 which was ordered and owned by the sculptor's widow, Mrs Monica Roberts-Jones in 2001. Cast from the original studio plaster by Meridian Foundry under the supervision of Nigel Boonham, F.R.B.S.

P. Cannon-Brookes, Ivor Roberts-Jones, London, 1983, pp. 51-59.

Studio of Ivor-Roberts-Jones; Christie's, South Kensington, 24 November 2005, lot 50 (£114,000), where purchased by the present owner.

In 1970, The Royal Fine Arts Commission (members at that time included Henry Moore, O.M., C.H., and John Piper, C.H.) approached nine sculptors to compete for the Parliament Square Winston Churchill Monument commission. Two of these, Ivor Roberts-Jones and Oscar Nemon, were selected to submit revised proposals and by November 1970, the Commission had selected Roberts-Jones as the sculptor. The finished 12 feet high bronze statue was subsequently unveiled in Parliament Square in 1973.

Roberts-Jones' brilliant portrayal of Churchill exudes total confidence: 'facing the Houses of Parliament, their greatest servant in modern times is portrayed as a giant at the height of his powers' (see P. Cannon-Brookes, Ivor Roberts-Jones, London, 1983, p. 57).