Original Birmingham Bull Statue Sketches Discovered Under Bed and Sold at Auction
Original sketches for Birmingham's famous Bullring Bull statue, which were found hidden under a bed nearly two years after the sculptor's death, have been sold at auction for a total of £3,380. The drawings, created by the esteemed artist Laurence Broderick, were uncovered at his family home in Cambridgeshire, shedding new light on the creation of one of the city's most iconic public artworks.
The Discovery of the Sketches
Auctioneer Stephen Drake made the remarkable discovery while evaluating the value of the family's estate following the death of Broderick's wife, Ingrid, in August last year. Drake, who has over 27 years of experience as an auctioneer and valuer, described the moment as "fantastic" when he pulled the portfolio of work from under the bed. He noted that the family decided these items should be shared with the public rather than remaining hidden away.
The collection includes 14 signed A2 sketches dated July 2001, which were created two years before The Bull was unveiled to the public. Each sketch is accompanied by Broderick's handwritten notes detailing his preferred design, with the final sheet bearing the inscription: "14th drawing and it was the drawing I decided to make."
Laurence Broderick and His Legacy
Laurence Broderick, who passed away at the age of 88, was renowned for his figurative carvings in stone and bronze castings, often featuring nature motifs. His most recognized work is the six-tonne, 4.5-meter-long bronze bull sculpture, officially titled The Guardian, which was installed in 2003 as the centerpiece of Birmingham's newly developed Bullring shopping center. Broderick described it as a "gateway emblem for Birmingham throughout history," aiming to reflect the characteristics of trade and the marketplace synonymous with the bull.
The sculpture has since inspired other works, including the city's raging bull named Ozzy, which attracted thousands of visitors during the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Broderick's artistic contributions have left a lasting impact on Birmingham's cultural landscape.
Auction Details and Broderick's Personal Life
The sketches sold for £3,380, inclusive of buyer premiums, at Batemans Auctioneers in Stamford, Lincolnshire. This sale comes amid a backdrop of personal turmoil for Broderick, who was involved in a contentious £5 million legal dispute with his two sons in 2022 after excluding them from his will and bequeathing everything to the National Trust. The dispute arose after his sons accused him of being responsible for their younger brother Ollie's death in 2019, leading Broderick to sever ties and exclude them from the family business. The legal proceedings were eventually discontinued following a settlement between the father and son.
Despite these personal challenges, Broderick's artistic legacy continues to be celebrated, with these newly discovered sketches offering a unique glimpse into the creative process behind one of Birmingham's most beloved landmarks.
