Film / News
Bristol’s Cary Grant statue reaches its 20th birthday
Twenty years ago, Bristol’s biggest global star (sorry Banksy and trip-hoppers) finally got his own statue after a long campaign. Today it’s become quite a tourist attraction and, as yet, no one has found cause to tear it down and chuck it in the docks.
We’re talking about Archibald Leach – aka Cary Grant – obviously. Sculpted by Graham Ibbeson, the life-sized bronze statue was unveiled in Millennium Square by Grant’s fifth wife and widow, Barbara Jaynes, on December 7, 2001.
Despite having been born here, it was only later in life that Cary Grant spotted the suspension bridge (possibly). Photogrpah by the Bristol Post
Two decades on, fans of the man described by critic David Thomson as “the best and most important actor in the history of cinema” will be gathering at the Christmas Fair in Millennium Square to wish the statue a happy 20th birthday. The Après Bar has reserved some outdoor seating next to the statue so you’re invited to join in and pay safely-distanced homage from 6:30pm on December 7. Present at this brief event will be David Long, the local man who launched the epic, ultimately successful campaign to recognise Cary in the city of his birth.
is needed now More than ever
Cary Grant photographed by the Bristol Evening Post on the roof of Bristol Cathedral back in 1965, promoting a restoration appeal
Afterwards, at 7:30pm, he’ll be joined by Cary Comes Home Festival director Charlotte Crofts for a crowdcast discussing the impetus behind the statue campaign. Go here for more information about this ‘pay what you can’ event. Charlotte has also made a short film about the anniversary for the BBC. You can watch it here.
Cary Grant literally came home for the weekend on occasion. Here he is spotting a local landmark at the Avon Gorge Hotel in 1966. Pic credit: Bristol Post
A couple of days earlier, at 2pm on December 5, there’s a Statue Anniversary Edition of the Cary Comes Home Festival’s hugely informative Looking For Archie walking tour. Led this time by Pam Beddard, the tour takes in Cary’s many hometown haunts and traces the early steps he took on his journey to Hollywood. You can book here for this ‘pay what you like’ event.
A publicity shot of Randolph Scott and Cary Grant
All proceeds from the statue anniversary events will go towards next year’s festival, whose theme is class. The dates for your diary are November 18-20 2022.
Read more: Definitive biography marks 117th birthday of Bristol’s most famous son: Cary Grant
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