Leave 'Em Laughing

Part of the bronze sculpture of Laurel and Hardy (leaning against a lamppost) at Ulverston, Cumbria. The piece (unveiled in 2009) was produced by renowned artist and sculptor Graham Ibbeson. Ibbeson has created a number bronze sculptures of outstanding depth, quality and comedy in towns and cities across Britain, including Eric Morecambe (Morecambe), Cary Grant (Bristol), Benny Hill (Southampton), Les Dawson (Lytham St Annes), Fred Trueman (Skipton) and David Whitfield (Kingston upon Hull).

Why Ulverston? – because Arthur Stanley "Stan" Jefferson (16 June 1890 – 23 February 1965), better known as Stan Laurel (of Laurel & Hardy fame), was born there.

Laurel began his career in the British music hall from where he took a number of his standard comic devices: the bowler hat, the deep comic gravity, and the nonsensical understatement. His film acting career stretched between 1917 and 1951 and included a starring role in the Academy Award winning film The Music Box (1932). In 1961, Laurel was given a Lifetime Achievement Academy Award for his pioneering work in comedy. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Blvd. In a 2005 UK poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, Laurel and Hardy ranked top among best double acts.

Thanks for all the C&Cs on 'Shall I Take My Glasses Off?'

Best wishes,
Philip

Brand:	Panasonic
Camera:	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45
Recording media:	JPEG (digital)
Date Taken:	1 Sep 2012 - 2:02 PM
Focal Length:	17.5mm
Lens Max Aperture:	f/2.8
Aperture:	f/5.6
Shutter Speed:	1/250sec
Exposure Comp:	0.0
ISO:	125
Exposure Mode:	Program AE
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
White Balance:	Auto

Title:	Leave 'Em Laughing
Username:	Philip_H
Uploaded:	15 Oct 2012 - 5:54 PM
Tags:	Bronze, Cumbria, Furness peninsula, Graham Ibbeson, Lake district, Laurel & hardy, Portraits / people, Public art, Sculpture, Stan laurel, Ulverston
Votes:	22