Northern artist casts his vote in bronze as sculpture of Andy Burnham is unveiled

A bronze bust of Andy Burnham was unveiled at Manchester Art Fair on 21 November. The sculpture has been created by Anthony David Padgett, a northwest artist.

The sculpture was unveiled by the Greater Manchester mayor: “I’m truly honoured by what Anthony has done. No one has ever approached me with anything like this before.” He said.

Andy described “quite an emotional reaction” to the sculpture during its unveiling.

“I said to him that it expressed his integrity and his determination to achieve lasting change for people, working people, and all people in the Northwest.” Anthony explained.

Speaking on his intentions behind the piece he said: “Andy’s a very high profile political figure on the left, who’s done a lot for Manchester, and the profile of the north, in highlighting the economic, social, and cultural divide between the north and the south.

“There’s three arts councils across the north, and five across the south. So straight away, there’s an imbalance.” He added.

Anthony sits as Lancashire representative of the Artists Union England and has worked in sculpture, painting, performance, dance, film and conservation for over 30 years. 

With a potential leadership challenge from Andy Burnham dominating headlines, Anthony expressed his support. “Andy has implemented changes of funding and changes of structures in the north. So he’s the person to help bring about these structural changes which are needed, that I don’t think other contenders are really addressing.”

His previous work includes sculptures of Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and other historical figures. Working with a living subject was a first in Anthony’s career.

“Usually, I do a lot of research of historical figures like Vincent Van Gogh. He did something like 30 self portraits. So I researched all these self portraits, to use those to create the sculpture.

With Andy, as a living figure, that part of the process was a lot quicker a lot easier. I was able to take actual measurements.” He said.

Anthony also described his relationship with Andy and how that shaped the project. “I worked with Andy’s team and then visited him in his office, interviewed him to get an insight into his person and personality. And I was very impressed how down to earth and warm he is as a person.”

As an artist in the northwest, Anthony is very passionate about the region and its opportunities. Manchester Art Fair has been a key platform for his work throughout his career. 

“you’ve got a full range of art and people visiting, and a lot of great exposure of your work. For me, this is my main exhibition space in a year.” He said. 

His devotion, and the message behind his work, makes Anthony a key figure in tackling the north / south divide. His collaboration with Andy Burnham is a huge step in addressing these issues.