Richard E Grant was sculpted in front of a live audience by renowned artist Frances Segelman during a charity event at St Paul's Church, Covent Garden. All proceeds from the evening were donated to Longfield Hospice in Minchinhampton, a charity that supported the actor's late wife, Joan Washington, before she died of cancer in 2021.
A Surreal Evening at the Actor's Church
The Oscar-nominated star, known for films such as Withnail and I, Saltburn and The Age of Innocence, sat completely still and in silence as Segelman, wearing a red ensemble by Kruszynska, worked on his likeness. Within minutes, a lump of clay began to transform into a striking resemblance of the actor, and after two hours, the sculpture was complete.
Segelman, who has sculpted figures including the late Queen, Dame Judi Dench, Prince Philip, King Charles, Dame Joan Collins and Lord Julian Fellowes, created the piece in front of an enraptured crowd at the venue often referred to as the actor's church.
Charity Tribute to Late Wife
Speaking to those watching after the sculpture was finished, Grant explained how his wife had wanted to pass away at home, surrounded by loved ones, and that the hospice made this possible. He said: "They assigned someone to stay with her throughout the night. It was extraordinary. These people are living saints. I'm in debt to them for the rest of my life."
The actor also shared his late wife's wish for him and their daughter to find a "pocket full of happiness" each day. He said: "My wife challenged my daughter and I to find a pocket of happiness in every day. At the time I thought it was some sort of cheesy Hallmark thing. But it's given us permission to do things. I'm very indebted to her for that."
Additional Art Exhibitions
In addition to the live sculpting, the audience was treated to an exhibition of paintings by Victoria Perloff and sculptures by Josette Perloff. Grant, who is currently starring in Hay Fever at the Wyndham's Theatre in London, also appeared on this year's Celebrity Traitors, where he was the first celebrity to be banished from the castle.
