Traitors icon Richard E Grant was sculpted in front of live audience by legendary artist, Frances Segelman
Richard E Grant won over a new army of fans with his chaotic – albeit brief – appearance on this year’s Celebrity Traitors.
The Oscar nominated star of huge films like Withnail and I, Saltburn and The Age of Innocence was one of the crop of stars taking part in the BBC show. He was thrilled when he was chosen by Claudia Winkleman to be one of the three traitors – but his excitement at being picked seems to have been too much for the acclaimed actor when he blurted out to his fellow celebs what had happened.
Despite some frantic back pedalling from Richard and his fellow traitor Maya Jama, the star could lift the suspicion his his blunder had placed him under and he became the first celebrity to be banished from the castle.
However, the iconic actor, who is now starring in Hay Fever at the Wyndham’s Theatre in London, has now taken on a very different kind of royal when he agreed to be sculpted in front of a live audience by Frances Segelman.
The legendary sculptor, who has worked with the late Queen, Dame Judi Dench, Prince Philip, King Charles, Dame Joan Collins and Lord Julian Fellowes to name a few, and Richard took part in the incredible evening at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, known as the actor’s church.
In front of an enraptured crowd, Frances, looking super glam in a stunning red ensemble by Kruszynska, began her work as Richard sat completely still and in silence.
Within minutes what had been a lump of uninspiring clay quickly started to transform into an incredible likeness for the actor and within two hours this iconic artist had created her masterpiece.
The surreal and magical evening was being held entirely for charity with all proceeds being donated to Longfield Hospice in Minchinhampton, which holds a special place in Richard’s heart as it was the charity that support the actor’s wife, Joan Washington, and their whole family when she tragically died of cancer in 2021.
Speaking to those watching after his sculpture had been finished, Richard explained how his wife had wanted to be able to pass away at home, surrounded by her loved ones and the hospice made this possible.
He said: “They assigned someone to stay with her throughout the night. It was extraordinary. These people are living saints. I’m in debt to them for the rest of my life.”
The award-winning actor also spoke about his late wife’s incredible wish for both him and his daughter, that they would experience a “pocket full of happiness” each day.
He said: “My wife challenged my daughter and I to find a pocket of happiness in every day. At the time I thought it was some sort of cheesy Hallmark thing. But it’s given us permission to do things. I’m very indebted to her for that.”
In addition to the extremely rare chance to see a world-renowned sculpture create a piece of art with her subject right there, those in the audience were also treated to an exhibition of paintings by Victoria Perloff and a sculptures by Josette Perloff.
For more information about Frances Segelman’s work visit her website or follow her on social media.
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