Andrew Lilley is a British sculptor from High Wycombe whose works are characterised by remarkable attention to detail. He manages to make his sculptures come to life in a quite impressive fashion, with a particular emphasis on his character’s attitudes and emotions. British Poles spoke with this talented artist about his passionate work.  

British Poles: Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Andrew Lilley: My name’s Andrew Lilley. I was born and brought up in the UK. I’m a sculptor, painter, and designer. 

BP: How did you know this would be the path you would take? Was it something you felt already as a child or did this passion for creating come into your later years?

AL: It started very early on. It’s something I always wanted to do. I went to College after school. Then I went to India and studied sculpture there. I knew from early on that I wanted to be an artist (laughs). That’s such a loaded word. I wanted to do art, to make art. 

BP: How long does it take you to complete a sculpture such as the one of General Sikorski?

AL: It usually takes about six months. I’m working on numerous different projects at the same time. But yes, it took me about six months to sculpt General Sikorski. The reason for that is the innumerable details. I love to do the details. For me, the very enjoyable part was capturing the lightness of General Sikorski. For every single one of my works, I want people to react, to respond to them as much as possible. It’s really an enjoyable challenge for me to do that. 

BP: You have sculpted several Polish figures in the last years, namely Irena Sendler, Jan Kochanowski, and more recently General Sikorski. What inspired you to create statues of these great Poles?

AL: Back in 2017, I was inspired to make the statue of Irena Sendler. My daughter-in-law posted a video on Facebook about her. I thought it was just an incredible story. She was such an amazing person. That made me want to make a statue of her. So I designed it and approached the Polish Cultural Institute and the Polish Embassy. That’s where I started my connection with the Polish people and the Polish Cultural Institute. They supported me and got funding from the Polish Institute of National Remembrance in Warsaw, and the statue can now be seen in Newark-on-Trent. That’s how we started.  After the success of Irena Sendler, we embarked on the statue of Jan Kochanowski which was to be located in Stratford-upon-Avon. So I came up with a design and got to work.

BP: Which of your statues are you the proudest of?

AL: Without question, it would be Irena Sendler. She’s one of the most amazing human beings I’ve ever come across. Her sacrifice to save others was just unparalleled. I believe there should be a statue of Irena Sendler in Trafalgar Square. So this is definitely the one I’m the proudest of. People in Newark love it so much. I know it because I’ve received so many positive messages from locals. I’m very proud we were able to do that. 

BP: Can we expect more statues of Polish figures by Andrew Lilley in the future?

AL: I hope so. We’re trying to find support for another statue of Irena Sendler for Warsaw because there’s no statue of Irena Sendler in her own country. That’s terrible! I mean, it’s really important. That’s one thing I want to do. I’m also considering a statue of General Anders. Besides, we’re also having discussions with the village of Sycyna where Jan Kochanowski was born. We’re thinking about making a statue of him conversing with William Shakespeare, although they never met. 

BP: You mentioned the statue of Irena Sendler stands in Newark and the one of Jan Kochanowski is located Stratford. Where can we admire your other works, in real life or also online?

AL: I’ve got a Pinterest page where you can find all my work, and I also have a Facebook page.

BP: Thank you for your time, and we’re looking forward to your upcoming creations. 

AL: My pleasure. 

Images: courtesy of Andrew Lilley

Interviewer: Sébastien Meuwissen

From the editor: Newark and Sherwood District Council, the Polish Cultural Institute and Newark Town Council will unveil a statue of the General on 4 July 2023 at 3pm at Newark Cemetery.