Crowdfunding campaign hopes to bring David Bowie statue to Market Square

The Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to build a statue of the musical icon, David Bowie under the arches in Market Square, has gone live.
David Bowie at Friars, July 15, 1972David Bowie at Friars, July 15, 1972
David Bowie at Friars, July 15, 1972

Sculptor Andrew Sinclair will create a work of art to pay tribute to the Thin White Duke, who debuted his Ziggy Stardust and Hunky Dory albums in town.

A soundsystem close to the statue will make a visit to the arches a multimedia experience, playing Bowie tunes on the hour every hour.

Friars founder David Stopps is aiming to raise £100,000 to celebrate the life of one of England’s greatest musicians, and immortalise him in the unique work of art.

He said: “If we can reach the £100,000 goal and create the statue it would be a fantastic boost for the town both culturally and economically.

“The campaign is going well and we have alreday reached £13,000 but there is still a long way to go.”

David Bowie has a very special connection with the Friars club in Aylesbury, referencing the Market Square in Aylesbury in his track Five Years.

This opens arguably one of the most influential and iconic albums of the 20th Century, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders from Mars.

Andrew Sinclair is recognised as a master of world-class figurative sculpture.

His previous work graces distinguished historical properties and public places such as the Royal Box at Ascot, Epsom Racecourse, and Crosby Hall.

Why Aylesbury? Bowie played an experimental gig at the Friars club in Aylesbury in September 1971 to see if he could cut it playing live.

It was a resounding success and led to him persevering with his new style which as it turns out, ended up pretty well for him.

Depending on how much you pledge, you will receive a gift from campaign chiefs.

£10 will get you a certificate of support, donations of £20 will receive a Bowie statue keyfob, £30 or more for a reproduction of the original Bowie Friars Aylesbury double sided newsheet from September 1971 and January 1972.

A donation of £250 will get your name or company permanently engraved on a plaque to be positioned near to the statue and other treats.