Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2010/January 2011 | Page 82

interview

Island Life - December 2010

Lawrence returns
to Island for his
new project
He’s acted with Ginger Rogers and
Carol Channing, written musicals for
Sammy Davis Jr., sculpted Lord Olivier
and his most celebrated piece - “Allies”
- was unveiled by Princess Margaret.
Lawrence Holofcener is also one of the
Isle of Wight's biggest fans and returns
to the Island in February 2011 to work
on his new project at the Priory Bay
Hotel.
Lawrence and his wife Julia are no
strangers to the Isle of Wight, having
lived here from 1993 to 2003. While
based on the Island, Lawrence produced
his most famous, critically acclaimed
work “Allies”, a stunning life-size
portrait of Winston Churchill and his
closest wartime ally Franklin Roosevelt,
sitting relaxed in conversation on a
park bench. Acquired by the Bond
Street Association, the sculpture now
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Internationally renowned Island sculptor,
songwriter and actor returns to the Isle
of Wight to work on new commission for
Hong Kong philanthropist... at Priory Bay

resides on Bond Street, and creates a
spectacular photographic backdrop for
the millions of tourists who visit the
capital. Lawrence left his own artist’s
copy of “Allies” for guests to enjoy in
the grounds of Priory Bay, and Winston
and Franklin have been enjoying quiet
conversation and admiring the views
from the Priory Bay terrace ever since.
The sculpture has become a favourite
photo opportunity for hotel guests.
Children particularly enjoy having
their pictures taken between the two
political giants.
Lawrence begins his new work
of Hong Kong businessman and
benefactor Sir Horace Kadoorie at
Priory Bay in February 2011. Kadoorie
- founder of the conservation trust,
the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
(KFBG)(www.kfbg.org) – was from one

of Hong Kong’s wealthiest philanthropic
families. A centre for conservation and
education in Hong Kong, the KFBG aims
to give visitors a better understanding
of the threats facing many plants and
animals and their fight for survival.It
illustrates ways in which we can help
to conserve and protect them from
destruction.
Sculpture came late to this immensely
talented man. He first exhibited in
1979: numerous commissions and
shows quickly followed. In 1985,
the legendary actor Lord Laurence
Olivier unveiled Lawrence's unique
collection of portraits - Faces of Olivier
- at the Chichester Theatre. Ten years
later, Princess Margaret unveiled his
aforementioned sculpture "Allies".
Lawrence has embarked on a
major series of work over the years,
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