THERESA MAY AND DIANA DORS’ GRANDDAUGHTER UNVEIL PUBLIC ARTWORK IN MAIDENHEAD

Ruby Lake, granddaughter of the famed mid-century actress Diana Dors, alongside Maidenhead MP and ex-prime minister Theresa May, unveiled a new sculpture in the heart of Waterside Quarter in Maidenhead on Saturday 25^th September.  The piece of public art, which is situated alongside the waterway at Shanly Homes’ flagship development, depicts a magnificent life-size alligator.

The alligator pays tribute to the musical romance film ‘An Alligator named Daisy’ which starred Diana Dors as the leading lady.  Dors was living close to Maidenhead at that time and was part of the lively social scene, running the immensely popular restaurant in town – El Tucan Café.

 Following in her grandmother’s footsteps, Ruby Lake now also works in the film industry as a First Assistant Director and producer.  She said: “Sadly my grandmother passed away before I was born, so I was never fortunate enough to meet her.  My father used to reminisce about her vitality and courage which I believe she has passed down to me.  I am so proud to be here today and be part of the unveiling of this wonderful statue.  I feel sure that my grandmother will be smiling down on us here at Waterside Quarter, where she once ran her café.”

Metalwork sculptor, Owen Cunningham, was commissioned to produce the alligator, and he also fashioned the White Lion and Vampire Bats which are already in situ at Waterside Quarter.  Owen comments:

“It has been fun working on this project and I have enjoyed its creation enormously.  Now it is complete, I am proud of how it has developed from flat sheets of steel into a sculpture that I believe expresses the spirit of the reptile.  This will live forever in this prominent position at Waterside Quarter and will, I hope, be admired and enjoyed by generations to come.”

Also in attendance at the unveiling was Maidenhead MP and previous prime minister Theresa May. She said: “It was great to be able to join with Shanly Homes and Friends of Maidenhead Waterways at Chapel Arches to unveil the ‘gator’. It has been a fantastic day and has been great to see the local community come today to enjoy the occasion and benefit from the lovely environment created by the waterway”.

Founder of Shanly Homes, Michael Shanly, comments:

“On behalf of Shanly Homes I would like to thank and congratulate Owen Cunningham for his magnificent creation. The Maidenhead Memories artwork series will help contribute to the ongoing improvement of Maidenhead town centre for new and existing residents, and will provide a memorable place for the whole community to come together and enjoy. We are honoured to play such a huge part in creating a better Maidenhead for the community with the new homes at Waterside Quarter, adding a new cultural experience to the town through the new sculptures.”

Waterside Quarter by Shanly Homes is a collection of stunning contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments with a concierge, private underground gated parking, underfloor heating and a terrace/balcony to most apartments.  Situated within a newly emerging restaurant, retail and leisure quarter, with excellent connections to London Paddington in 19 minutes via Maidenhead station and easy access to some of Berkshire’s best beauty spots, Waterside Quarter offers cosmopolitan style alongside waterside tranquility.

Available with Help to Buy, apartments are available from £285,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and £385,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Please visit www.shanlyhomes.com  or call 01628 673046.