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Stratford welcomes Shakespeare statue back after £45,000 restoration project




GUESS who just got back today (Wednesday)? It’s now official, the Bard is back in town and looking resplendent in time for his Birthday Celebrations this weekend having been lifted into position at the front of the town hall after a major £45,000 restoration.

The statue was carefully lifted into position several times as the team worked on securing restored work. Photo: Mark Williamson T21/4/22/9895. (56184419)
The statue was carefully lifted into position several times as the team worked on securing restored work. Photo: Mark Williamson T21/4/22/9895. (56184419)

Thanks to the Shakespeare’s Coming Home fundraiser, a £22,500 target needed to help restore Shakespeare’s statue, which was given to the town by David Garrick, was achieved and match-funded by Pragnell, the Wood Street jewellers.

Stratford mayor, Cllr Kevin Taylor said: “I am very proud we have such a stunning statue in place for the celebrations – it looks brilliant. It will be great for everyone to see William Shakespeare gleaming in the great weather we’ve had recently and for the summer ahead.

The statue was carefully lifted into position several times as the team worked on securing restored work. Photo: Mark Williamson T21/4/22/9879. (56184412)
The statue was carefully lifted into position several times as the team worked on securing restored work. Photo: Mark Williamson T21/4/22/9879. (56184412)

“What an attraction the statue and town hall will be after extensive restoration work to both. I think it’s just wonderful.”

International stars Dame Judi Dench and Sir Kenneth Branagh are due to officially unveil Shakespeare’s statue at Stratford Town Hall, on Friday at 1pm.

The restored statue was finally revealed yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon before being prepared for its formal unveiling on Friday. Photo: Mark Williamson T21/4/22/9986. (56191431)
The restored statue was finally revealed yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon before being prepared for its formal unveiling on Friday. Photo: Mark Williamson T21/4/22/9986. (56191431)
It was a proud moment for Mayor of Stratford Cllr Kevin Taylor as the statue was lifted in to place. Photo: Mark Williamson T21/4/22/9872. (56184410)
It was a proud moment for Mayor of Stratford Cllr Kevin Taylor as the statue was lifted in to place. Photo: Mark Williamson T21/4/22/9872. (56184410)
The first sight of the restored statue revealed the detail uncovered and the original white finish. Photo: Mark Williamson T21/4/22/9846. (56184404)
The first sight of the restored statue revealed the detail uncovered and the original white finish. Photo: Mark Williamson T21/4/22/9846. (56184404)
Rupert Harris who restored the statue was on hand to oversee the statue’s safe return. Photo: Mark Williamson T21/4/22/9852. (56184407)
Rupert Harris who restored the statue was on hand to oversee the statue’s safe return. Photo: Mark Williamson T21/4/22/9852. (56184407)


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