Augustus John statue

The Augustus John statue is a Grade II listed bronze sculpture on a limestone plinth, created by Ivor Roberts-Jones between 1964 and 1967. It is located on the east bank of the River Avon in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.

This over-life-size statue stands 1.9 meters tall and portrays the artist Augustus John in his old age. He is depicted bearded, barefoot, and wearing simple clothing, with a striding or lurching gait. His arms are outstretched and his hands are clenched, conveying a sense of purposeful energy. The hands and head are intricately detailed, reflecting a driving, perhaps impatient, expression. The sculpture is mounted on a bronze base, with the limestone plinth inscribed with ‘AUGUSTUS JOHN OM RA / SCULPTED BY / IVOR ROBERTS JONES CE RA’. The front of the plinth features the inscription ‘FORDINGBRIDGE 1928–1961’, while ‘PAINTER’ and ‘1878–1961’ are inscribed on each side.