Hundreds join campaign for statue in Leicester to honour Sir David
A campaign has been launched for a city centre statue of Sir David Attenborough.
More than 1,200 people have backed calls for a statue of the television legend, who grew up in Leicester with film-making brother Richard.
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Sir David was educated at Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys
Daniel Wright, bar manager at the Orange Tree pub in High Street, Leicester, said: "Who better than someone who has achieved so much? He's definitely someone to be truly proud of.
"The support I got through the Facebook group I opened up has been fantastic. I'm hoping to gather all the support in the form of a petition and present it to Leicester City Council.
"People are really behind the idea and have been coming up with ideas for what the statue should look like and where it should go."
Some of those in the Facebook group have said they are willing to donate money to the campaign.
Supporters have suggested a statue in New Walk, close to the museum which has the Picasso ceramics donated by Sir David's brother, Lord Attenborough.
Sir David said: "It's certainly an honour but I'm of the opinion that you shouldn't erect a statue to someone unless they're dead. I am flattered, though."
Sir David, 83, grew up in College House on the University of Leicester campus – where his father, Frederick, was college principal.
He was educated at Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys – now Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College – and won a scholarship to Clare College, Cambridge, in 1945, where he studied for a degree in natural sciences.
Sir David lives in London and his BBC TV documentaries have included Blue Planet and Life In Cold Blood, for which he won a Bafta.
One Facebook supporter, Tom Jackson, wrote on the website: "Good work, guys. If anyone deserves to be immortalised in stone it is this man."
Emma Green added: "A statue is a brilliant idea."
Sam Callaghan said: "The man has done more for natural history than anyone else. The work he did for the BBC early on was astounding."
A spokesman for Leicester City Council said: ''We would be happy to discuss with Mr Wright his ideas and give advice on the public art process."
Famous people with statues in Leicester include Gandhi, Thomas Cook, Simon de Montfort and Richard III.
35 Comments
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by Asa Bailey, Leicester
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 1:42PM
“So where is the face book page - how do we sign up - no link?
Great Idea! the guys a total hero.”
by b, LEICESTER
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 1:30PM
“Let us have a statue of Kulgan for his contribution to this and other posts.”
by Barry, Braunstone
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:41PM
“Well said Michael! Hopefully a statue of the great man could be held in the same respect as a symbol of both the past and hope for the future!”
by Smiler, Oadby
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:36PM
“The Gandhi statue may well have been funded by private money, a charity I believe. Had they nothing better to spend it on?Pity it is not also on private land.
David Attenborough is one of the few people most feel unadulterated respect for, would not a shrine/area for wildlife be more welcome for his admirers and the great man himself. Possibly containing a plaque rather than a statue or possibly both.”
by andy, leicester
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:30PM
“wonderful brill best idea for a long time”
by Michael, Overstrand
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:29PM
“Ajeet, Perhaps I can help you understand the reason and local affectiion for the statue of of Liberty at Upperton Rd./Boulevard. It has great relevance to Leicester, once the proud centre of the British boot and shoe industry.
Our Liberty was the emblem of a famous shoe manufacturer who built an the company's
impressive Art Deco," Liberty Shoes, factory with the statue aloft, surveying the West End area,. close to the statue's present site. Controversly
the factory wasdemolished, but the people of Leicester had developed affection for the statue, symbolic of the shoe industry and trips to Filbert St. football ground and demanded the statue be retained. and the Ciyt Council listened. It was a sculpture they actually asked fo have.. Arguably not the finest works of art, but one they loved and actually wanted it
because it reoresented their city. Perhaps it will be the same with the Attenborough's.”
by Barry, Braunstone
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:28PM
“I refer to the posts from Duane and Daniel in particular. You say we should not have a statue of Ghandi as he has nothing to do with Leicester.
Why then is there a small scale statue of The Statue of Liberty on the roundabout on Upperton Road? Ajeet Kotecha, Leicester
You clearly know nothing of this city then, it is from the building of an old company long associated with Leicester actually, do your homework before stirring things up please. As for the statue it is a fantastic idea, the man deserves it!”
by Dodgite, Braunstone
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:14PM
“This statue would be a welcomed addition to this city and i do agree with the council for paying for this as David is born and bred british. However to all the people comparing this to the Gandhi statue erection and still moaning about it, all i can ask is 'are you losers for real?' These are two different stories! The Gandhi statue has been erected (with private money) so put up, shut up and get on with it.”
by Med, Leics
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 2:54PM
“Do we really need statues of anybody?? Just use the money for something more useful”
by Rita, Leicester
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 2:44PM
“What a brilliant idea!!! I can't think of a more deserving personality. He has brought the the amazing life of all wildlife to so many. Which we would not otherwise be able to see.
I remember watching his programmes when I was younger with my father. I still watch him to this day.
He for sure deserves a statue when he is alive so that he can enjoy it himself.”