Picasso statue marks 75 years since Sheffield visit

A statue of Pablo Picasso is set to be unveiled in Sheffield to commemorate his visit to the city 75 years ago.

The unveiling marks the anniversary of the world-famous artist's visit to speak at the World Peace Congress, held in the city in 1950.

Created by artist Anthony Padgett, the statue in Weston Park depicts Picasso as a boy holding a peace dove and will be revealed by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield later.

Events to mark the anniversary have been organised by the International Brigade Memorial Trust, the Basque Children of '37 Association UK and the Sheffield Trades Union Council.

The statue pays tribute to Basque children who lived in Sheffield after escaping the Spanish Civil War, as well as South Yorkshire volunteers who fought in the conflict as part of the International Brigades.

At least 40 men from South Yorkshire volunteered to fight, seven of whom were from Sheffield, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The late Bill Ronksley, trade union leader, was among the welcoming party who met Picasso at Sheffield Midland station.

In his later years, Ronksley recalled Picasso being handed flowers on his arrival.

The artist was later asked to return the bouquet as money was short post-war.

Picasso spoke at Sheffield City Hall, but the conference was cut short as the government refused entry to many delegates due to growing Cold War tensions.

The artist created three drawings of peace doves while in the city, with one on display at Weston Park Museum.

The museum has an exhibition timed to coincide with the statue unveiling and tells the story of 25 child evacuees from the Basque country who came to stay at Froggatt Guest House, near Sheffield.

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