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© The Artist's Estate
, Irish, 1881-1968
Title
Head of May
Date1925-1926
MediumBronze
Dimensions
45 x 29 x 28 cm
SignedLeech
Credit LinePurchased, 1988
Object numberNGI.8341
Label TextThis winsome bronze bust depicts May Botterell, who Leech met in London in 1919. Artist and sitter began a relationship soon afterwards but did not marry until 1953, following the death of May’s first husband Percy Botterell. This work, obviously informed by Leech’s painting, is remarkably accomplished given that it is the artist’s only known sculpture. The bust features prominently in one of Leech’s many painted portraits of May (private collection).