A sculpture of Che Guevara made by a Stockport artist, is being sent to the revolutionary legend’s daughter.
The life sized bust was made by John Blakeley, at the request of Cuban officials, and will go on display at a Cuban museum that celebrates their nation’s hero.
It is going to be flown out to Havana, and will be given to Che’s daughter, Aleida Guevara. ALeida will keep the bust in her family home for a short period of time, before handing it over to the Che Guevara museum.
John Blakeley, 83, said: “In 50 years of being an artist I never thought I’d make something in Edgeley that would be displayed in Che Guevara’s house. It is an unbelievable honour. In the sculpture I tried to get across that this is a strong leader who you would follow. He has a strong face and was handsome, the ladies tell me. He is still revered in Cuba and is a real icon, his life was cut short so he became a legendary figure. This may be my last sculpture so it is a great way to go out.”
The sculptor was asked to create the bust two years ago when he visited the Che Guevara museum while he was on holiday. It took six months to create, and then spent three months at a foundry where it was filled with bronze.
John previously made in 1977 a silver oyster sculpture for the Queen’s jubilee and a sculpture of a horse for the Duke of Westminster.
He will fly to Cuba to see the unveiling of the bust.
Rafael Sadina Gonzalez, from the Cuban Embassy, said: “Che Guevara was one of the heroes of the Cuban revolution and this sculpture reflects the real Che. It shows the friendship between Britain and Cuba and is an example of how British people know our history.”