In Bloom group's suitably artistic Ansdell tribute

Artist Helena Lemper with her willow figure of Richard Ansdell

A figure of Richard Ansdell, made of willow and depicting the artist at his easel, has quickly proved a talking point for passers-by after being erected outside Ansdell Library at the weekend.

Commissioned by the village’s In Bloom group and created by St Annes artist Helena Lemper, the intention is for it to be on show, initially, until October.

Ansdell In Bloom chairman Paul Taylor said: “For the past couple of years the Ansdell in Bloom team has been keen to promote the local heritage and in particular recognise the fact that Ansdell is the only place in the UK to be named after an artist.

Members of Ansdell In Bloom with artist Helena Lemper and the figure of Richard Ansdell

“Richard Ansdell lived locally in the 1860s and when the Blackpool and Lytham railway was built in the 1870s, Ansdell’s Halt was a stopping point on the new railway and the district later acquired its name.

“Last year, the Ansdell In Bloom team successfully bid for the Co-op Local Community Fund and the £6,000 grant enabled us to commission several displays, including this wonderful one of Richard Ansdell by Helena, together with a useful information board.

“We will put most of our displays into storage during the winter months although we are exploring the possibility of putting the figure and board on display either in the library or in a shop window over winter.

“The plan is for all the displays to come out again next spring.”

Helena said: “I enjoy working in willow and have done several previous displays for Ansdell In Bloom but am especially pleased with this one and I hope people enjoy it.”

Richard Ansdell, whose best-known works include Stag at Bay (1846), The Combat (1847), and Battle of the Standard (1848), had a summer house locally, now the Starr Hills care home facing the White Church. He died in 1885, aged 69 and many of his works are in the Lytham St Annes Art Collection.

Sarah Kellam, his great, great, granddaughter, said: “I am thrilled to bits and feel so proud that the group wants to remember Richard Ansdell in this way. I just love it and it brought a big smile to my face. It’s wonderful.”