Watch: Mary Webb sculpture unveiled at Shrewsbury Library
Author Mary Webb has been honoured with a bust unveiled in her memory, in the centenary year of the publication of her first book.
The Shropshire author, best known for her novel, Precious Bane, set her books in the county and the Mary Webb Society had for many years wanted to create a lasting memorial to her. She died in 1927.
A full-sized bust, mounting a stack of her books, was unveiled in the grounds of Shrewsbury Library at the weekend in a ceremony attended by society members and some of the author's family.
It was created by sculptor Jemma Pearson, from Clun, and made into a bronze at the Castle Fine Arts Foundary in Llanrhaeadr before it was mounted on a plinth of Grinshill stone.
Sue Higginbotham, from the Mary Webb Society, said the bust was made possible thanks to a generous legacy from the late Muriel Furbank, a society committee member.
"The library in Shrewsbury seemed the ideal location as Mary said that she used the library as her university, visiting it two or three times a week," she said.
She said that members of the society had seen the creation of the sculpture as many points through its creation.
"Jemma, an eminent sculptor, who said it was refreshing to do a bust of a woman, showed us her sketches and drawings throughout.
"We also went to the foundry to see the very dramatic pouring of molten bronze into the investment mould.
"After cooling, the investment was chipped away to reveal the bronze and Mary Webb's face. Jemma has worked so hard to refine the image and also capture the spirit of Mary Webb in this beautiful work.
"Because Mary Webb had a thyroid condition she did not like her photograph taken and so there are very few images of her.
"This is a very special year for the society as it is the centenary of the publication of her first novel, The Golden Arrow."
