11:10am Saturday 14th March 2009
A LIFELIKE statue of Worcestershire’s most famous son has been unveiled at his childhood home.
The bronze sculpture of Sir Edward Elgar sits in the garden of the Elgar Birthplace Museum, Lower Broadheath, near Worcester, and depicts the composer absorbed in thought as he gazes out toward the Malvern Hills.
His jacket hangs open, revealing a watch fob, and he holds on to his summer hat and pipe.
Catherine Sloan, manager of the museum where Elgar once lived, said it was just like Elgar had come home.
“If ever there was a feeling of him returning to a place he loved and cherished, somewhere he was totally at ease, this is it.
“There are many different faces of Elgar and more often than not it’s the older Edwardian gentleman that comes to mind.
“It’s nice to see the younger man in his 40s and on the cusp of greatness. When you glimpse this man sitting on the bench at the bottom of the garden you’re drawn to it. It’s really quite magical.”
About 60 people, including members of the Elgar family, attended yesterday’s unveiling.
Shropshire sculptor Jemma Pearson, who is already renowned for her statue of Elgar near Hereford Cathedral, was commissioned to create the piece by the Elgar Foundation to mark 150 years since the much-loved composer’s birth.
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