Monday, March 9, 2015

'Antihero' from RichardC - 'You Can't Park There!'


Now I have to start by saying that, as a born and bred Lancastrian, my choice of anti-hero is somewhat odd. I'€™ve chosen King Richard the Third of the House of York. For those who don't know, Lancaster and York were (and indeed are) rivals. This rivalry came to a head in a little disagreement back in the 15th Century which became known as the Wars of the Roses. The red rose of Lancaster was finally triumphant at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, where King Richard was killed. His body was buried in the grounds of Greyfriars Priory where it lay largely forgotten for more than 500 years.



Why is he an anti-hero? Well, you can blame William Shakespeare. Writing under a Tudor monarch, he followed the time-honoured tradition of flattering ones patrons whilst also rubbishing their opponents. Shakespeare'€™s Richard is a venal, scheming, murderous villain, whose physical disabilities are a mirror of his twisted morals. The reality is, of course, somewhat different. Richard'€™s reign actually saw a man who did what he thought was best for the stability of his country. That said, I was lucky enough to have front row seats for a performance last year with the fantastic Martin Freeman as Richard III, the first two rows were given old shirts to wear, as the final scenes saw a large amount of blood spurting across the stage!


In 2011, archaeologists started digging in the Council car park looking for the grave. A skeleton with severe spinal curvature was discovered, and, following DNA tests from Richard's descendents, was identified as the last Plantagenet monarch.


I also have a personal reason for choosing Richard (apart from sharing his name). My mother, whose family came from Sheffield in Yorkshire, suffered from scoliosis as did Richard. She felt a sense of empathy with him, and followed the story of his discovery with great interest. She told me that she wanted to send a white rose to the site of his re-burial (she also felt it should be York Minster rather than Leicester Cathedral). Sadly, she'€™s not able to do so, but I will fulfill her wish and send a tribute.


The figure is a wonderful casting by Perry Miniatures, and was a pleasure to paint. I'€™m eternally grateful that he isn't depicted in full heraldic splendour, as my painting skills (and eyesight) just wouldn't be up to it!

17 comments:

  1. It is a very cool sculpt. Bursting out the ground. Great idea really. Well done RichardC.

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    1. Thanks for that. As soon as I saw it, I wanted it (but it sold out at salute really quickly). It was great fun.

      Pip pip

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  2. Honestly, no Richard IIIs for over 500 years, then several turn up at once!

    Great sculpt, good to see Richard is still a popular choice - and though my Dad's from Lancashire, it's always been my opinion that York had the better claim to the throne!

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    1. Just so long as we beat Yorkshire in the cricket, all's well.

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  3. Wonderful work Richard. I was particularly touched to read about your Mother's interest and sympathy for Richard III. Just as she desired, when I am next in the UK I'd very much like to leave a white rose in Leicester Cathedral where he now rests.

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    1. Cheers Curt. Keep you eyes on the news for the 26th of March, as that's when the re-burial takes place. Here's the website for all things Ricardian http://kingrichardinleicester.com/

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  4. Richard

    Snap on the submission! You've put mine to shame.
    Cheers, PD

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    1. Not at all Peter. Everybody has different styles and techniques. You'll agree, a great figure to paint.

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    2. Certainly a great figure to paint!

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  5. Nice work, Richard! We are surrounded by Richards this year! ;)

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    1. You can never have too many Richards.... well, maybe not!

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  6. Wow, another great entry with this figure.

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    1. It wasn't my first choice (originally I chose a particularly psychopathic member of Napoleon's general staff).

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  7. A nice interpreation of the last Plantagenet king.
    Well done !

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    1. Thanks Monty. I was quite pleased with the result.

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