Top sculptor to create Memorial to Founder of The Royal Ballet School

One of the world’s foremost figurative artists, Richard MacDonald, has recently been working in the studios of The Royal Ballet School in London’s Covent Garden.

The American-born sculptor, who is best known for his many works that celebrate the human form, has been here working on the exploratory stage in the creation of a lasting Memorial to Dame Ninette de Valois. This Memorial to the Founder of The Royal Ballet School and Companies is a private commission which will be donated as a gift to the School.

The artist has been taking inspiration for the Memorial from Principal Dancers of The Royal Ballet including Steven McRae, Sergei Polunin and Marianela Nuňez – all former students of The Royal Ballet School. Joining them in donating their time to supporting the project are fellow Principal Dancers Roberta Marquez, Tamara Rojo and Thiago Soares.

Honouring the unparalleled contribution to our cultural heritage made by an extraordinary woman and celebrating the art form she dedicated her life to, the Memorial to Dame Ninette de Valois will eventually stand within the grounds of The Royal Ballet Lower School, White Lodge in Richmond Park where it will inspire future generations.

“I love this place!” declared Dame Ninette de Valois on visiting White Lodge on her 100th birthday in 1998.

www.richardmacdonald.com

Royal Ballet Principal Dancer (and former Royal Ballet School student) Sergei Polunin with Richard MacDonald. Photo: Patrick Baldwin