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Former sculpture student's landmark AIDS memorial

19 October 2009

David Furnish, the civil partner of Sir Elton John, recently unveiled an AIDS memorial statue in Brighton which is hoped will become a gathering place for people to reflect and remember. Mr. Furnish described the statue as ‘a powerful and poignant monument.’ Romany Mark Bruce, 49, a former sculpture student at City College Brighton and Hove’s Connaught Adult Learning Centre, designed the 11ft-tall bronze artwork featuring two intertwined figures soaring upwards. It is the only memorial of its type in the country and one of only a handful of sculptures in the world dedicated to those who have died from AIDS/HIV. Romany’s former sculpture tutor, Teresa Martin, was at the unveiling ceremony. Teresa says:

"The memorial is a wonderful example of the way an individual's ideas can be realised through education at all stages of life. It’s so rewarding to see students gain such personal satisfaction by developing skills to express elements of their humanity within our community. Sculpture is a real force for communication for all, whatever their age. Its creation can offer therapeutic benefits for the viewer and the maker. The unveiling ceremony revealed much more than the finished sculpture - it showed the huge regard everyone has for Romany, his dedication and his progress."

(Left to right) Romany Mark Bruce, Teresa Martin and David Furnish

(Left to right) Romany Mark Bruce, Teresa Martin and David Furnish

Romany says:

"The unveiling of the Brighton and Hove AIDS Memorial was the fulfilment of a secret ambition that I never expected to realise - to have created a public sculpture. It was an emotional day on many levels, especially for those who have lost loved ones to AIDS and HIV. I was extremely happy to share the moment with Teresa Martin, and to introduce her to Mr David Furnish as my former tutor, and the one who had nurtured and encouraged a passion for sculpting. When I started classes with Teresa many years ago, I didn’t realise that I would come this far, but I certainly knew that sculpting would remain an important part of my life."

Heather Shaw, City College’s Adult & Community Learning Manager, adds:

"Romany is a fantastic role model for adult learners and exemplifies the benefits of lifelong learning."

For media enquiries, please call Brian Bell, Marketing Communications Officer, on 01273 667788 Ext. 488 or email bb1@ccb.ac.uk website www.ccb.ac.uk

About City College Brighton and Hove: Situated in the heart of Brighton, City College Brighton and Hove has become an international centre of vocational excellence. Every year 2,500 full-time, 8,000 part time, over 500 Higher Education and 500 14-16 year old students as well as many international and European students choose City College as their place of further and higher education training. In addition, the College provides training to many businesses via its ‘City Business Skills’ department which focuses on employer training needs. Offering over 750 courses from basic level right through to business and postgraduate training, City College is working with its partners to develop the workforce of the future.