Life size 'Kes’ sculpture to be revealed to the public for the first time in Barnsley

A sculpture of film character Billy Casper and his bird from the Barry Hines classic Kes is to go on display in Barnsley ahead of being permanently mounted in the town centre.
Graham Ibbeson and his Kes sculpture in clayGraham Ibbeson and his Kes sculpture in clay
Graham Ibbeson and his Kes sculpture in clay

The life size bronze was commissioned by local sculptor Graham Ibbeson to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hines' novel A Kestrel for a Knave, which went on to become a highly successful film.

The work is expected to be Ibbeson's last commission and will end up in the town centre, which already has a likeness of cricket umpire Dickie Bird, created some years ago.

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His most famous work is perhaps a statue of Eric Morecambe in Lancashire.

The statue will go on public display at the Experience Barnsley museum in the town hall, from Wednesday February 27.

The Barry Hines memorial committee and Kes Group have worked to raise funds for the piece and expect it to go on permanent display as the newly revamped town centre is completed, though no final decision on where it will stand has yet been announced.

Coun Roy Miller said: “We are thrilled that Experience Barnsley will host the stunning sculpture.  

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"Kes has incredibly strong connections to the borough and it will be perfectly placed, surrounded by other important objects relating to the town’s history.

"It will be the first time people have the opportunity to see the piece and I am sure they will be impressed by the work.  It is also a great opportunity for people to have a look around the town’s award winning, free to enter museum.”