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Artists race against time to capture likeness of Linford Christie

Wednesday 4 October 2006

Local school-children joined art students from the University of East London (UEL) and renowned sculptor Frances Segelman in a race against time to sketch and sculpt Linford Christie at the UEL Docklands campus on Tuesday 3 October.

Linford, the only male athlete to ever win Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European 100m gold medals, was asked to sit still for a change as the model for a special artistic event, attended by dignitaries including Christine Bowden, Deputy Mayor of Newham.

Lecturers from the UEL School of Architecture and the Visual Arts led pupils from Langdon School and Newham VI Form College in sculpture, drawing and photography workshops, while Frances Segelman spent two hours crafting a clay bust of the former sprinter.

Frances Segelman is an established sculptor of personalities from the world of entertainment, politics and sport. Her previous models have included Prince Philip, Sir David Frost and Sven Goran Eriksson, and she has developed a reputation for speed and intuitive ability.

Frances said: “Being surrounded by so many artists sculpting and sketching has been a unique and inspiring experience. It’s been fascinating to see everyone sharing their work, and especially thrilling to have held the event at such a fantastic university.”

Linford added: “It’s been a great event, even if I’ve never had to sit still in one place for so long in my life. UEL definitely seems like a really nice university.”

Mohammed Haque (17), of Stratford, was one of the twenty local pupils who spent the afternoon sculpting and sketching Linford. He is currently studying for a National Diploma in Art and Design at Newham VI Form College.

Mohammed said: “It’s been a great afternoon – really enjoyable, and full of unusual and interesting experiences. It's been great to work with charcoal and clay and I’m really pleased with the final results.”

Ends/.

For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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