Solved: Mystery soldier sculpture was work of late Telford artist
When a photograph of a stunning sculpture of a soldier going into battle appeared in the Shropshire Star, brother and sister David Foxall and Julie Evans did a double take.
For they immediately recognised the work of art, now standing in the churchyard in Woore, as that of their father Gerry Foxall.
Mr Foxall, who died six years ago at the age of 75, was a talented sculptor who turned scrap metal into images of people, animals and vehicles, in his workshop close to his home in Spring Hill Crescent, Madeley.
He was running a vehicle repair business in Little Dawley in 1971 when, surrounded by the scrap in the workshop, he hit on the idea of turning it into art.
His first piece was entitled Warrior Man and he went on to make scores of sculptures from screws and bolts, chains, ball bearing and car springs.
Eventually crippling arthritis meant he had to give up his work. His pieces were exhibited across the Midlands and those best known include those of miners and pit ponies that once stood at Ironbridge Power Station and were moved to Broseley two years ago.
Another of his masterpieces, also honouring miners, stood on the Granville Roundabout in Donnington. It was demolished when a lorry crashed into it but later restored.
Mr Foxall served in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and the REME for about 14 years.
He made the the soldier sculpture as one of two pieces to form part of the 1978 Remembrance commemorations in Birmingham.
Julie said: “He would be so pleased that this piece is being used to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. He would be chuffed.
"We both saw the picture in the Star and we knew it was one of Dad’s. David managed to find a photo of when they were exhibited.”
She said she believe the one in Woore was called Going Into Battle and the other one, Coming Out of Battle.
She added: “That one shows the soldier weary and leaning on his rifle.
“We would love to know where that sculpture ended up. We haven’t got a clue how this one has come to be near Market Drayton.”
The brother and sister said their mother Dianne was delighted.
David said that from the age of about 11 he remembered helping his father in his workshop.
Now an artist specialising in oil painting he said: “Dad taught me such a lot.
“I was about eight when the soldiers were made so I vaguely remember going to Birmingham to see them.
“We are so glad that the sculpture was saved from the scrap heap and we hope that the community of Woore will now see the soldier as theirs.”
