Wimbledon sculptor David Wynne OBE has died aged 88.
The figurative sculptor, who proved popular with royal patrons and the general public, was at the forefront of British sculpture receiving his OBE in 1994 despite never attending art school.
When preparing for a piece he would live for weeks with his subject, studying its characteristic, behaviour and movements.
David Tait, NSPCC Trustee, friend of Mr Wynne and subject of his piece ‘The Archer’, said that he loved working with him and would miss him deeply.
My friend, David Wynne died September 4th, aged 88. We worked closely for 3 intense years – an honour. Much missed.. pic.twitter.com/sm2NdGoZJy
— David Tait (@TaitEverest) September 14, 2014
He said: “He was mesmerising to watch and the only genius I have met. He never lost his humour and love of life. “A truly lovely man who saw the beauty in life so often missed by others.
He was my friend and of that, I am proud – much missed.”
Wynne’s genius… pic.twitter.com/aUi16K2qgH — David Tait (@TaitEverest) September 14, 2014
Among his many London commissions Mr Wynne is most famous for his Fred Perry sculpture at Centre Court which was unveiled in 1984.
Picture courtesy of Mira66, with thanks
