Work
commenced
in January 1996. For one thousand hours Tom chiselled two
huge blocks
of sandstone each weighing six tons. By May the impressive
figure of
Wallace had emerged from the stone echoing Tom's physical regeneration.
Following his life-threatening open heart surgery, Tom Church, a burly stonemason, was both physically and emotionally a reduced man.
At this low point Tom watched the film Braveheart. So inspired was he by Wallace's patriotism and determination that Tom resolved to produce a sculpture that would capture the spirit of one of Scotland's greatest heroes.
Work
commenced
in January 1996. For one thousand hours Tom chiselled two
huge blocks
of sandstone each weighing six tons. By May the impressive
figure of
Wallace had emerged from the stone echoing Tom's physical regeneration.
On the 11th May 1996, the first anniversary of the cardiac surgery, the completion of the sculpture and Tom's return to good health were commemorated at a ceremony at his home town of Brechin, Angus.
The National Wallace Monument was always considered by Tom to be the spiritual home for his creation. It is a fitting tribute to William Wallace that the statue should be located here (Stirling) within a spear's throw of Wallace's brilliant victory over a far superior English force at the Battle of Stirling Bridge on 11th September 1297.
Here is a piece of material from the plaid/kilt worn by Mel Gibson in the film Braveheart. Tom Church has the certificate of authentication with Mel Gibson's signature.
