Blackpool Dance Festival at the Winter Gardens launches appeal to trace historic trophy missing since 1990s
Blackpool Dance Festival is appealing for help to trace a rare Art Deco dancer trophy last seen at auction in the 1990s.
The Blackpool Dance Festival team has launched an urgent appeal to locate a historic bronze and ivory figurine that once stood as a prized trophy at the Winter Gardens based event.
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Created by renowned Art Deco sculptor D.H. Chiparus the elegant dancer is one of twelve original trophies that were cleared from the Winter Gardens prior to its sale to Leisure Parcs in the early days of the venue’s history.
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The figurine was sold at auction during the 1990s at Smythes Auctioneers in Cleveleys, fetching £25,200 from a mystery London buyer. Despite extensive efforts, its current whereabouts remain unknown.
Festival organisers believe the trophy could be proudly displayed in a dancer’s home, stored away in an attic, or held in a private collection with the owner possibly unaware of its significance to Blackpool’s world-famous dance heritage.
This exquisite bronze and ivory dancer represents an important piece of Blackpool's cultural history and the world-renowned dance tradition that has made the Winter Gardens famous across the globe.
Natalie Hayes, Blackpool Dance Festival organiser, said: "This beautiful Chiparus figurine represents such an important piece of our dance festival's rich history, and we would love to reconnect with it, especially as we approach our centenary celebrations in May 2026. We're not looking to reclaim ownership – we simply want to open a conversation with whoever currently treasures this piece.
“Perhaps they would consider loaning it to us for our centenary year, allowing thousands of dancers and visitors from around the world to appreciate its beauty and significance. It would be wonderful to have this historic trophy back home, even temporarily, as we celebrate 100 years of the world's most prestigious ballroom dancing competition.
“We'd be delighted to discuss possibilities with the current owner and ensure the figurine is handled with the utmost care and respect it deserves.”
The Blackpool Dance Festival team is keen to reconnect with this significant piece of heritage and would welcome any information about its current location as it approaches its Centenary celebrations in May 2026.
If you own this figurine, know of its whereabouts, or have any information that could help locate it, please contact: The Blackpool Dance Festival Team - [email protected]
All enquiries will be treated with the utmost discretion and sensitivity.