Del Newbigging | |
---|---|
Born | Robert Delford Newbigging September 29, 1934 |
Died | August 23, 2012 | (aged 77)
Occupation(s) | Artist, author, arts teacher |
Notable work | Alexander Wood Statue |
Board member of | Medallic Art Society of Canada |
Spouse | John Carolan |
Robert Delford Newbigging (1934–2012) was a Canadian artist, visual arts teacher, children's author, whose bronze-fashioned works have been showcased in art galleries across Europe and North America. [1] Newbigging is best known for facilitating the project concept, development and creation of Toronto's Alexander Wood statue. [2]
Popularly known by the nickname Del Newbigging, the Listowel, Ontario native was author and illustrator of Robert Rat Has A Problem, a children's book teaching the significance of agreeing to disagree and the importance of nutrition. [3]
On July 16, 2000, [4] Newbigging co-founded the Medallic Art Society of Canada (MASC), [5] an organization "dedicated to the creation, promotion, appreciation and education of the fine art of the medal." [6]
Of his body of works, Newbigging's most notable contribution is his monumental statue of the late Alexander Wood, [7] a merchant and magistrate in the city of York (now Toronto). [8]
Set in the Church-Wellesley neighborhood, the bronze sculpture of Alexander Wood is posted at the Church Street and Alexander Street intersection. It was officially unveiled on Saturday May 28, 2005. [9]
"It’s a symbol for any minority community that has struggled and fought to be accepted for their place and home in our city," said Dennis O’Connor, the former Church-Wellesley BIA chair, at the unveiling ceremony. [8]
Newbigging's statue of Wood came after a two year process of development. [1] The two-and-a-half-metre-tall bronze figure was formed almost entirely from that which Newbigging visualized Wood's physical appearance to be, with his prime reference said to have been a mere a silhouette of Wood. [10] [2]
"Del Newbigging’s legacy in Toronto’s gay community is literally set not in stone, but rather in a cast of bronze," Toronto City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam told the press. "His meticulous planning and confident execution of Canada’s only monument to a gay pioneer will forever stand proudly over the Church and Wellesley Village. We have Del to thank for this superb contribution to the community." [11]
Del Newbigging | |
---|---|
Born | Robert Delford Newbigging September 29, 1934 |
Died | August 23, 2012 | (aged 77)
Occupation(s) | Artist, author, arts teacher |
Notable work | Alexander Wood Statue |
Board member of | Medallic Art Society of Canada |
Spouse | John Carolan |
Robert Delford Newbigging (1934–2012) was a Canadian artist, visual arts teacher, children's author, whose bronze-fashioned works have been showcased in art galleries across Europe and North America. [1] Newbigging is best known for facilitating the project concept, development and creation of Toronto's Alexander Wood statue. [2]
Popularly known by the nickname Del Newbigging, the Listowel, Ontario native was author and illustrator of Robert Rat Has A Problem, a children's book teaching the significance of agreeing to disagree and the importance of nutrition. [3]
On July 16, 2000, [4] Newbigging co-founded the Medallic Art Society of Canada (MASC), [5] an organization "dedicated to the creation, promotion, appreciation and education of the fine art of the medal." [6]
Of his body of works, Newbigging's most notable contribution is his monumental statue of the late Alexander Wood, [7] a merchant and magistrate in the city of York (now Toronto). [8]
Set in the Church-Wellesley neighborhood, the bronze sculpture of Alexander Wood is posted at the Church Street and Alexander Street intersection. It was officially unveiled on Saturday May 28, 2005. [9]
"It’s a symbol for any minority community that has struggled and fought to be accepted for their place and home in our city," said Dennis O’Connor, the former Church-Wellesley BIA chair, at the unveiling ceremony. [8]
Newbigging's statue of Wood came after a two year process of development. [1] The two-and-a-half-metre-tall bronze figure was formed almost entirely from that which Newbigging visualized Wood's physical appearance to be, with his prime reference said to have been a mere a silhouette of Wood. [10] [2]
"Del Newbigging’s legacy in Toronto’s gay community is literally set not in stone, but rather in a cast of bronze," Toronto City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam told the press. "His meticulous planning and confident execution of Canada’s only monument to a gay pioneer will forever stand proudly over the Church and Wellesley Village. We have Del to thank for this superb contribution to the community." [11]