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Suffragette and industrialist made into sculptures

Emma StanleyNorth West
Alamy Edith Rigby shown in a black and white photo. Image payable per use, one use only, no cloning.Alamy
Suffragette Edith Rigby was friends with the Pankhurst sisters

Two new bronze sculptures depicting influential figures from Preston's history are to go on display in a Lancashire museum.

The sculptures of suffragette Edith Rigby and industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright will join The Harris Museum in April as part of its collections of industrial heritage and social reform.

They have been created by sculptor Peter Hodgkinson, who was born in the city and also created the statue of footballer Tom Finney known as The Splash at Deepdale and the Chorley Pals War Memorial.

He said: "It has been a great pleasure to work on these historical sculptures, both who have played a significant role in shaping our everyday lives."

Getty Images Portrait of Sir Richard Arkwright in a green overcoat, cream waistcoat and white hairGetty Images
There had been a campaign to get a statue of Sir Richard Arkwright in Preston

Rigby devoted her life to creating a fairer world for women and was friends with the Pankhurst sisters, who began the suffragette movement which fought for women's right to vote.

Arkwright was an entrepreneur of the Industrial Revolution, born in Preston in 1732, he developed mills that could mass-produce yarn.

The sculptures will go on display in the Discover Preston Gallery at the museum which has recently undergone a £16m renovation.

Harris Museum The dark bronze sculptures of suffragette Edith Rigby and industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright against a dull pink background. Rigby is leaning with her back against a bicycle and Arkwright is standing by a desk pointing with his left hand as his right rests on his hip next to a round tummyHarris Museum
The sculptures of suffragette Edith Rigby and industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright have been created by Peter Hodgkinson

They were funded by businessman Wilf Boardman, who has been campaigning for a statue of Arkwright since 2013, and said it was "deeply satisfying" to see his dream realised.

"Arkwright's pioneering work in mechanised spinning helped shape the modern industrial world," he said.

"This long-overdue recognition ensures his legacy is properly celebrated for generations to come."

Adrian Phillips, chief executive at Preston City Council said: "The Harris plays a vital role in sharing Preston's stories, and these new sculptures are a fantastic addition to the collection."

David Dixon/Geograph External view of the Harris showing its facade. It's a large square stone building with pillars at the entrance above a set of steps. David Dixon/Geograph
The Harris Museum has recently undergone a £16m renovation

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