Sculpting of Holocaust survivor Marianne Philipps
On Thursday 9 March, at the age of 99, Marianne made the journey from Manchester to London to sit for the sculpture. In fact, she became the first Holocaust Survivor from outside London to be sculpted by Frances Segelman. Marianne’s visit to the studio was arranged through The Fed’s My Voice Project in partnership with Yad Vashem UK.
Marianne commented that:
It was amazing, wonderful! A real one-off experience. that doesn’t come everyone’s way so I am very lucky. The sculptor, Frances, was very talented and she showed me a book of all of the sculptures she has done in the past and the history of them, it was fabulous. We didn’t talk much as she had to concentrate whilst she was working, and I had enough sense not to talk either and let her focus. There were lots of photographers around, but I took no notice and stayed frozen . Everyone thought I was wonderful and special to stay so still. So many people were there, including the head of Yad Vashem UK. It was a fabulous trip and I enjoyed it very much.
My Voice Project Manager, Juliette Pearce, explained why they chose Marianne:
She is a remarkable lady, who lights up the room and makes everyone smile. Her positivity is infectious, and she has a real zest for life, even at the age of 99. It was a huge privilege to accompany her to sit for Frances whose talent is totally awe-inspiring. I was mesmerised as I watched her at work and saw Marianne’s likeness take shape before my eyes. It was a day that I will treasure forever.
Chairman of Yad Vashem UK, Simon Bentley said,
Yad Vashem UK Foundation has a close association with International Sculptor Frances Segelman as part of her Holocaust survivor series. We are proud to be working with Frances and are so happy that our gift to the National Portrait Gallery of the bronze from our first live sculpting of Sir Ben Helfgott will be on permanent display there when the National Portrait Gallery reopens in June this year.The sculpting of Marianne Phillips is the first one we have done in association with The Fed’s My Voice Project.
Yad Vashem UK works closely with Frances producing Holocaust survivor sculptures.