Sculptor delighted to finally have his work on show in Wellingborough town centre

Mick Henson’s sculpture entitled the Black Prince has gone on show in Wellingborough’s Market Place.

It has been made possible by the new larger events space, which has been created following a new layout for the market.

Mick said: “I’ve lived in and around Wellingborough all my life and it’s always been frustrating for me not to be able to show my work in Wellingborough town centre.

“Now with the new events space I’m able to exhibit for the first time in my hometown.”

Mick uses steel and fibreglass for his sculptures, which have been on show at locations including in Northampton, Wicksteed Park and Billing Aquadrome.

Another piece of his artwork, a Nordic walker, was on display at The Castle theatre during Wellingborough’s Waendel Walk.

Mick, who started making sculptures about 20 years ago, tried to have the Black Prince on display near Morrisons and the Tithe Barn last year, but they couldn’t get him in as he was too big.

But with the introduction of the new events space in the town’s Market Place, Mick can finally have the sculpture on show to the public in his hometown.

Mick, who lives in Wollaston, said: “I am a Wellingborough lad born and bred and I have lived in Wollaston for the rest of my life so I am over the moon about it.

“I have been waiting for this to happen.

“I like to show my work in public places so I really like the new events space, it’s an asset to the town centre.”

Mick has already had some good feedback since the sculpture went on display, and added: “I tried to get some pictures of it on Saturday and I was amazed at the amount of people that had their picture taken with it.”

The Black Prince is being used to help promote the forthcoming medieval festival organised by Wellingborough Business Improvement District (BID) and it features on the BID’s website.

The festival is taking place in Wellingborough on Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18.

The action will take place across various town locations, including Market Street, the Tithe Barn lawn and Croyland Gardens.

Youngsters will be able to dress-up in themed costumes and joust on hobby horses at Wellingborough Museum and there will be medieval dancing.

Colourful characters from the Middle Ages will also be mingling with visitors during the weekend.

John Cable, executive director of the BID, said: “Final preparations are now taking place for the fifth Medieval Festival, which is set to be the biggest and best yet.

“The Black Prince sculpture is fantastic and I hope it will draw people’s attention to what we have on offer – an authentic event providing the perfect blend of fun and learning for the whole family.”