The Lonsdale Statue - A tribute to the Founder
As part of developing plans for celebrating Shawnigan's centennial, a group of older alumni has commissioned a famous sculptor to create a scale model statue of the Founder, C. W. Lonsdale.
The renowned artist, Mardie Rees is, currently working on a two foot tall statue of Mr. Lonsdale, accompanied by one of his pet Alsatians, "Max". The one third life-size statue will be presented at this upcoming October 23rd Founder's Day.
The idea is to gauge if there is enough enthusiasm for the project to commission a full, larger than life size bronze statue of the Founder that would be unveiled during the 2016 celebration of the School's 100th anniversary.
Ms. Rees has visited the school to absorb the spirit of the Founder and to do extensive photographic research to make sure she accurately captures the clothing, style, stance and aura of the man responsible for the magnificent 300 acre Shawnigan campus. No doubt Lonsdale would be amazed that his little school, started with six students, is now a flourishing, world class school of 450 students from around the world. He might also be more than pleased that his vision and memory are to be enshrined in a statue in his honour. A fitting tribute for the man responsible for this fine school!
For more information about Mardie Rees and her work you can visit her studio website at:
http://mardierees.com/
For information specifically about the creative process related to the Lonsdale statue, go to: http://mardierees.com/journal/?tag=bronze-sculpture
Ms. Rees will be on hand at the October 23rd Founder's Day to discuss her work on the tribute to Lonsdale and to answer questions.
– Steve Housser ’67