Amanda Ward Culver is a sculptor and painter. Born in London, Amanda creates ceramic sculptures from a socialist viewpoint, highlighting the contradictions in our society. Her work uses historic and religious references to tell stories with a circus of characters.

Following Brian’s death, Amanda was asked to consider making a statue of the peace campaigner. In 2011, with the encouragement of her husband, Michael Culver, one of Brian’s most dedicated supporters, who sadly died in February 2024, Amanda created a small statue, or maquette.

Speaking about her work, Amanda said, “I made the form of Brian at the stage in his life when he needed crutches for support. He was worn down from living on the pavement for so long, as well as enduring police assaults. Brian liked the comparison with the Churchill statue in Parliament Square, who also has a walking stick.” 

Initially, it was hoped that the statue would be displayed at the House of Commons, alongside Richard Keith Wolff’s photographs of Brian and his camp, with a full size statue eventually being placed in Parliament Square. Despite extensive support, this proved impossible to organise and the statue has now found a significant and meaningful home at the School of Historical Dress.

Amanda feels the statue’s position, facing the ‘big guns’ of the Imperial War Museum is a very appropriate site for Brian to continue his protest against war. “I’m sure he would approve of his image standing here.”

To hear more about Michael’s friendship with Brian, listen to the site-specific audio monument Michael and Amanda created with artist Guy Atkins. ‘And There Was Brian’ can be heard in Parliament Square through the website www.andtherewasbrian.uk

Information about Amanda Ward Culver and her work can be found at https://www.amanda-ward.com