CROWDS gathered in Stratford town centre to witness the unveiling of a special new Shakespeare statue.
The life-sized bronze statue – depicting the Bard as a young man on a bench – has been given to Stratford District Council by designer Lawrence Holofcener as part of the 400th anniversary commemorations of the playwright’s death.
And Mr Holofcener travelled from his home in America to officially present the statue during a special ceremony designed to coincide with his 90th birthday on Tuesday (February 23).
The former Broadway actor and director has created a number of pieces over the years.
His most famous work, ‘Allies’ in Bond Street – where people can sit between a life-sized statue of Churchill and Roosevelt – is believed to be the most photographed sculpture in the country.
Council chiefs hope the new Shakespeare statue, which has been installed on Bancroft Gardens opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, will prove just as popular.
They believe the statue will appeal to the craze for taking selfie photographs as well as further emphasising their support of the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations in a year the world will be celebrating the legacy of the town’s most famous son.
Stratford District Council chairman, Mike Gittus, said: “We are thrilled with the sculpture and we are sure it will be enjoyed by young and old for many years to come.
“The unveiling is an excellent way to start the celebrations bearing in mind the 400 year legacy.”
