JACK LESLIE STATUE
LOCATION
HOME PARK
CLIENT
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE FC
VALUE
£200,000
COMPLETION
OCTOBER 2022
SIZE
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Jack Leslie was the first truly recognised black professional football player. He played for Plymouth Argyle Football Club from 1921 until 1934. He was selected to play for England but never took his place in the squad, his family believe this was because he was black. The statue is to honour Jack.
Due to our work with Derby County Football Club on the Clough Taylor Statue with renowned artist Andy Edwards we were asked to be part of the team to create the Jack Leslie Memorial.
We were commissioned to identify a location and provide a suitable setting for the statue which is also sculptured by Andy Edwards.
The solution was to create a square footprint with a memorial foundation, the bronze statue itself is set upon a granite rectangular plinth, surrounded by granite saviours inscribed with the names of the contributors and granite clippings to identify the setting.
The location and orientation of the state was chosen in order that Jack is illuminated with sunshine during daylight hours and has subtle up-lighting in the evening. The statue stands to the north west of Home Park, in a large open-area which is a main thoroughfare for approaching fans and has a stadium backdrop, which befits the significance that Jack contributed to the club during his time.