OVER £15,000 RAISED!
THE STATUE OF KING GEORGE 1V
By Dominic Grant
With the sudden loss of Dominic Grant, creator of this incredible sculpture, Thanet Trust, is working with the Royal Harbour 200 Group to fundraise a minimum of £60,000 needed to turn the clay statue into a stunning, bronze likeness of George 1V and install it overlooking the Royal Harbour.
Dominic spent the last 18 months of his life to making the 7’6″ clay statue, completely free of charge. It was a generous and selfless project for the benefit of the whole community and once cast in bronze will sit atop a granite plinth overlooking the harbour he raised to Royal status.
This imposing, beautiful statue will help tell the story of Britain’s only Royal harbour, a conversation piece for residents and visitors alike which will encourage people to learn more about our Maritime and Royal history.
Ramsgate has a healthy arts scene, and this masterpiece was created here at the harbour by a self-taught sculptor. It’s our hope that it will inspire young and emerging artists to pursue their creative dreams.
THE HISTORY OF GEORGE
The UK's Only Royal Harbour
George 1V first visited Ramsgate on the 25th September, 1821 and received a resounding welcome from the town’s population.
He visited again that year on November 8th and then on November 27th he commanded Lord Sidmouth to inform Ramsgate that the harbour was to be proclaimed a Royal Harbour. Ramsgate harbour remains to this day the only Royal Harbour in the Uk.
A TALENTED FAMILY
Help to complete the project
Dominic’s son and daughter, Luke and Sophia, together with grandson Stanley and son-in-law Matt, have worked to finish the back of the cape from half way down in clay, so it would be ready for the next stage of the production process.
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
The Singing Sculptor
Dominic was a self taught Sculptor… But let’s go back to the beginning.
At the age of 18 he made his first record on the Mercury label & was hailed as, ‘The next rising Star’, due to the deep, rich tone in his voice & good looks. He soon became disillusioned with the music world, packed a suitcase & moved to Rome, where he lived for three years.
He was mesmerised by the beautiful statues that surrounded him, he had always sketched & found great pleasure in Art but still had the passion for Singing.. He made a few demo’s with a mate of his, Chris West, who sent them back to the Uk… Which led to Dominic getting a phone call from the Beatles producer, the great George Martin. George loved Dominic’s voice & wanted him to come back to England for a meeting. He dropped everything & hence started his journey back into the music industry .
George was waiting on songs to come along for Dominic but meanwhile he was coaxed into going for an audition to join a Girl/Boy vocal group & that’s how he came to front the 70’s Pop group, ‘Guys N Dolls’. They had many Hits, toured the World & worked with many of the great Stars including Frank Sinatra.
When the group stopped in 1985 Dominic continued singing with his wife Julie, (who had also been in the group). They were signed to a Dutch record company & based themselves in The Netherlands. They called themselves ‘Grant & Forsyth’ & recorded 13 Country Albums to which of most went platinum.
Now, back to his passion for Sculpting...
20 years ago he was asked to do an exhibition in Holland & then at ‘Petleys’, one of the finest Cork Street Gallery’s in London, his figurative style was very successful & sold around the world.
He has statues in major Cities & has produced a bust of Sir Bruce Forsyth, which resides at The London Palladium & Barbara Streisand which was commissioned by Sony music.
In 2008 Dominic & Julie moved to Ramsgate, with their two children Luke & Sophia, & fell in love with the place.
Dominic loved History, so embarking on a larger than life Statue of King George 1V was something he really wanted to do for the Town of Ramsgate.
Tragically Dominic passed away suddenly from an aneurysm in November 2020, leaving Julie, his Son Luke & Daughter Sophia devastated. But knowing his love of his art and his passion for this statue, his family have continued to realise his dream & are currently raising funds so it can be Bronzed.
Actress and resident of Ramsgate – Brenda Blethyn, has pledged a generous donation & her support to ensure her love of Dominic’s work and her home town has the recognition it deserves.
Julie said “We could not have been more proud of Dominic as a loving husband, father, grandfather, Brother and friend. His art and music will live on forever and his immense talent as a sculptor & Singer will leave a lifetime legacy to us and the people of Ramsgate.
We’d like to thank everyone who has donated so far, people have been so kind & supportive, they loved Dominic, & his Statue is truly magnificent, so please take some time to visit our site & donate whatever you possibly can, thank you ♥️