Sculptor Lloyd Le Blanc, Creator of Iconic Artichoke Sculpture, Dies at 85
Lloyd Le Blanc, the acclaimed sculptor renowned for his large-scale bronze works depicting flora and fauna, has died at the age of 85. With his wife, Judith Holmes Drewry, he established the Le Blanc Fine Art foundry in Saxby, Leicestershire, transforming old farm buildings into a creative hub that served both his own artistic vision and those of numerous other artists.
A Life Dedicated to Bronze Sculpture
Born in Boston, USA, to Frank LeBlanc, a shipwright and fisherman, and Regina (née De Comeau), a housekeeper, Lloyd spent his early years in Nova Scotia, Canada, before returning to Boston for his education. He earned a fine arts degree followed by a master's degree from Yale University, laying the foundation for his artistic career.
After lecturing at a Connecticut art college, where he met his future wife Judith, a British student, the couple moved to the UK. Lloyd worked as a welder on North Sea oil rigs while Judith studied at Norwich School of Art, before he taught sculpture at Falmouth College of Art in Cornwall.
Building a Foundry and Artistic Legacy
The couple later returned to the US, settling in San Francisco where they built a foundry on a beach, scraping a living by selling their sculptures. In 1972, married by then, they decided to permanently relocate to Judith's family farm in Saxby, Leicestershire.
There, they created the Le Blanc Fine Art foundry, working as full-time sculptors while managing the foundry business. They also established a sculpture garden open to visitors, making Saxby a welcoming destination for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Iconic Commissions and Technical Mastery
Lloyd was particularly noted for his involvement in every phase of his sculptures' creation, from initial clay modeling to the finished bronze casting. His technical brilliance and exceptional scale made his works stand out in the art world.
Among his most prominent supporters was celebrated chef Raymond Blanc, who from the 1980s commissioned several sculptures to adorn the gardens of his hotel, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Great Milton, Oxfordshire. This included the now-famous giant artichoke sculpture that stands prominently in front of the main building.
Later Years and Personal Passions
After Judith's death in 2011, Lloyd shifted to creating smaller pieces but never ceased working, making his final bronze pour at age 85—nearly seventy years after his first at age 16.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Lloyd enjoyed tending his kitchen garden, cooking, and engaging in political discussions. Known as a great storyteller, he made Saxby a special, welcoming place for friends, family, and fellow artists.
Lloyd Le Blanc is survived by his two children and a granddaughter, leaving behind a legacy of bronze sculptures that continue to captivate audiences in gardens and collections across the UK.
