All artists steal ideas?

Or, as Picasso himself said,”Good Art is borrowed, great art is stolen” or so the line goes.

If this were a record it would be a cover.

The imagery is not my original idea in that the sculpture has existed and was created some time ago, but I see something else.

Titled the ‘The Meeting Place’ it’s a 9m high bronze sculpture of a couple embracing and was created by sculptor Paul Day. The couple stand underneath the famous St Pancras clock at the apex of the great arch of the Barlow shed. Around the base is a sculptured frieze of quite striking composition. You can see them here.

Whilst taking photographs for a commission in 2014, I took some of this sculpture. At the time World War 1 was frequently in the news due to the Centenary. On seeing the couple something about it made me immediately think of a Tommy heading off to war. Whether it was the bronze reminding me of the uniform I’m not sure but…

I couldn’t get the idea out of my head.

In fact I thought that’s what they were until I looked it up for this post. The image of two lovers embracing as one heads off to war is a pointient reminder of so many willing to sacrifice all for love. Whether voluntarily or due to conscription. These people were prepared to risk it all for the sake of those they loved.

So, I’m calling it Farewell Tommy as I originally intended. I may be wrong but that’s artistic license for you. It may be a bittersweet moment of parting or the moment of reunion, but whatever it is a couple’s embrace is an elegant symbol of love for Valentine’s day. 

What do you think is it hello or Farewell Tommy?

The Original Painting, Farewell Tommy has been sold but prints are available here.