A STATUE of Peter Pan will become the latest attraction at Lister Park thanks to a Yorkshire Day gift.

The statue, featuring the youthful children’s favourite, is a gift to Bradford from philanthropist Sir Trevor Pears.

The present cast is one of an edition of only eight full-scale versions made by the celebrated Morris Singer Foundry for the Fine Art Society from a bronze in Sefton Park in Liverpool - where it has delighted children for generations.

The Council was offered the work of art by Sir Trevor Pears to put on public display in the award winning Manningham park.

The original, placed in London’s Kensington Gardens, was produced by renowned artist George James Frampton in 1912 in which the popular JM Barrie character is lifted up on a swirling rock populated by fairies, rabbits, squirrels and mice.

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The pint-sized pirate botherer is raises his pipe to his mouth to "play to the spirits of the children who play in the park."

Other models and casts of the monument are to be found as far afield as Brussels, New Jersey, Toronto and Perth, Australia.

Parts of the original plaster model are in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

It will be the latest statue in the popular park. It is already home to statues of Sir Titus Salt, Samuel Lister and Diana, Goddess of the hunt.

Sir Trevor is Executive Chair of Pears Foundation which promotes understanding of key issues through research and education programmes; drives engagement in social progress across the UK and globally, particularly in young people, and supports organisations focused on wellbeing for everyone.

During the current health emergency, parks’ staff have introduced a one-way system for people to view the new statue while maintaining recommended social distancing.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “This is a wonderful piece of art and we are very grateful to have been gifted it.

“It’s really appropriate to have a statue of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, on display in one of the youngest cities in Britain.

“We hope over the coming years everyone who visits our lovely award-winning Lister Park will take a moment to view this inspiring statue.”

Sir Trevor said: “I bought this wonderful statue of Peter Pan with the intention of continuing the philanthropic tradition started by JM Barrie in 1912, and in the hope that this particular version would find a home in Lister Park.

“I have been a frequent visitor to Bradford over the past twenty years. The warm welcome I’ve always experienced has led to my developing a deep affection for the city.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to express this with a Yorkshire Day gift of a statue that’s image has given so much joy for over a hundred years.

“I hope very much that this particular Peter Pan will evoke similar joy for all the young, and young at heart, who visit this beautiful park over the next hundred years.’’