THE Grand Appeal’s Gromit Unleashed 3 took place in Bristol across the summer holidays with life-sized statues of Nick Park’s characters forming a trail across the city.
With the aim of raising money for sick children at Bristol Children’s Hospital, each statue was painted in homage to a famous film or book. This year, if you were out and about statue-spotting, or simply out for a stroll, you may have noticed that Clifton Observatory hosted Mr Darcy. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Wallace was dressed in his finest Georgian outfit, fresh from his Pemberley Estate and ready for a lovely cup of tea outside the café.
The romantic hero was painted by Bishopston artist and designer, Rhiannon Southwell. We asked her more about her inspiration and how Mr Darcy came to be sitting at the Observatory.
Rhiannon explained: “I work as a high street fashion textile designer – I design the patterns and prints that go on womenswear. I also have a window film business, Blossom & Brush , which makes made-to-measure patterns all in white. When we first moved to Bristol and wanted privacy in our front room, I painted a design on our bay window. People asked about where I’d got it from and the business was born.
This was all invaluable experience for Mr Darcy’s creation. Wallace is such a loved character in our house that when I saw the social media posts asking artists to apply, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get involved.”
Asked how the idea came about, she said: “With it being 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen, he seemed like the perfect choice. He also suited my style perfectly. My day job meant I felt right at home. I instantly thought about how I could create a beautiful 18th century outfit for Wallace, complete with lace, my ode to Regency fabrics and a wonderful top hat.”
In all the statues across the trail, Wallace’s character shone through and Mr Darcy was no exception. “My job was to make sure I stayed true to the era and character of Mr Darcy”, said Rhiannon.” I wanted to make him really stand out and draw people in, so I went to town with colour and pattern in his decoration.
“There were two hidden Gromits within the patterns. I had to make sure his trusty pooch was there. It was fun to watch my family going round the statue trying to pinpoint them.”
Of course, Mr Darcy wasn’t born overnight and Rhiannon took nine days from the first brushstroke to the final touching up. “Some days were spent doing base coats to make sure his jacket, trousers and boots were perfect. Later on, I spent days at a time in bizarre positions trying to perfect the herringbone of his trousers or the florals on his jacket. My other favourite part was doing the pattern on the teacup Wallace holds. It’s a classic Regency teacup with flowers and classic colours from the period. I’m always painting florals for the fashion brands I work for, so it was second nature.
Rhiannon was delighted with the reaction to Mr Darcy. “Sadly, the love of his life, Elizabeth Bennet, never turned up, but there were plenty of other visitors. The best reaction was seeing the smiles as people walked towards him and spotted the details.”
And how did she feel having her work displayed at such an iconic location? “Wonderful! When I knew Mr Darcy would be there, I was very excited. It doesn’t get much better, with the views of Bristol, the gorge and the countryside. It was a cracking day out for Wallace!”
All the statues in the 2025 trail will be on show at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway from September 13 to 28 before being auctioned off in October, with the proceeds going towards the Grand Appeal.
Rosie Watson