November 2002
People

Sculptor's Life Unveiled in Book

The life of an internationally renowned sculptor whose work welcomes daily visitors to the University's library has been documented in a new book.

'Josefina de Vasconcellos: Her Life and Art' contains 32 pages of photographs from a unique collection, covering her student days in London, Paris and Florence and her times with her husband, the painter Delmar Banner, in Cumbria.

Her work can be seen outside the University library (pictured right). Originally titled 'Reunion' the piece was commissioned by the University in the 1970s. Her powerful depiction of a man and woman embracing across barbed wire has since been renamed 'Reconciliation' at the request of the University's Peace Studies Department.

At the time she said she was happy with the request to rename the piece. She said: "The sculpture was originally conceived in the aftermath of the war. Europe was in shock, people were stunned."

The University also has a second piece of Josefina's work, entitled 'After the Storm', which depicts white peace doves against a rose marbled background. The piece was presented to the University in May 1998 as a memorial to the University's first Vice-Chancellor Professor Ted Edwards and can be found in the library.

Josefina, who has a honorary DLitt from the University, revealed that her inspiration had come from a newspaper article telling the story of a woman who had crossed Europe on foot to find her husband.

"I was so moved that I made the sculpture. Then I thought that it wasn't only about the reunion of two people, but hopefully a reunion of nations which had been fighting."

Other works by Josefina include Mary and Child in St Paul's Cathedral, the National Memorial to the Battle of Britain at Aldershot, and pieces in the cathedrals of Norwich, Liverpool, Gloucester and Blackburn, and art galleries in Britain and America.

Josefina, who has just celebrated her 98th birthday, is still modelling in her Lake District studio. Biographer Dr Margaret Lewis has captured her remarkable life.

Described as a "visionary woman" she was one of the Peace Studies Department's earliest supporters.

• The book is published by Flambard and distributed by Central Books. It can be ordered at bookshops or directly from Flambard on 01434 674360.

12 November 2002

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