Gandhi's London statue model to be auctioned

A miniature version of the statue depicting Mahatma Gandhi, the prominent leader of Indias independence movement, located in a central London square, is expected to attract a substantial sum at auction next week. The bronze model stands 27cm tall and is considered the earliest full representation of the statue that has been installed in Tavistock Square, Bloomsbury, since 1968.

The original statue, along with its preliminary models showing Gandhi in robes and seated cross-legged, was crafted by Polish sculptor Fredda Brilliant, who passed away in 1999 at the age of 96.

Specialists anticipate the model could surpass its estimated auction price of 6,000 to 8,000 when it goes under the hammer at Woolley & Walliss art sale on Thursday.

Victor Fauvelle, a specialist at Woolley & Wallis, emphasized the significance of this first maquette appearing on the market, noting Brilliants increasing recognition. At a 2019 auction featuring 44 of her works, another Gandhi model by Brilliant sold to a private collector for 65,000. Fauvelle stated, "This first maquette from a private London collection presents collectors with an extraordinary opportunity to own the piece that inspired one of Fredda's most internationally acclaimed monuments."

Earlier this year, the Tavistock Square Gandhi statue was damaged in an act of vandalism. The Indian High Commission condemned the incident as "shameful," describing it as "not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of non-violence."

Author: Lucas Grant