Andy Burnham bronze sculpture to be unveiled in Manchester this week in ‘powerful and necessary’ statement

A sculpture of Andy Burnham is to be officially unveiled at a top event in the city this weekend.

The Greater Manchester Mayor, who has overseen the city-region since 2017, has been replicated in cast iron form by sculpture artist Anthony D Padgett for a project which will be shown at this year’s Manchester Art Fair. It took Padgett 40 hours to complete the bronze bust, with the majority of work made in his Lancashire studio.

Creating the artwork was also undertaken from within the Mayor’s Manchester office during sittings with Burnham himself. The Morecambe-based artist, 56, said he was inspired to represent the Mayor in his latest work after seeing Burnham speak on the subject of Universal Basic Income back in 2022.

The artist said he hopes bronze sculpture will help address the Northern and Southern imbalance of political leaders represented in art. “Politicians in London have a great profile,” Padgett said. “The same cannot often be said of regional leaders. I wanted to address this and promote figures of the North on a national scale.

“Having heard Andy speak, he was a natural choice. He’s a passionate advocate for the city and the North. It’s important that we positively address the regional divide. Manchester has a phenomenal cultural sector and is an economic powerhouse. It has a value in its own right and this should be valued and appreciated.”

Work on the bronze bust began in 2022, when Padgett first met with the Mayor of Greater Manchester to capture essential photographs and to take measurements at the Mayoral Office. The bust, weighing 18kg, was completed in late summer 2025 when Padgett had the opportunity to showcase the work to Burnham himself. The artist said the Mayor thanked him for the honour.

The bust marks the first work representing a living figure from the Morecambe-based artist, 56. He has previously created art focused on late poets and other notable figures. At last year’s Manchester Art Fair, the artist exhibited seven works inspired by Vincent Van Gogh – including a close example of a pipe as used in Van Gogh’s 1888 “Chair” painting.

The bronze bust will be officially displayed at this year’s Manchester Art Fair, which runs from November 21 to 23 at Manchester Central. The fair will also include works showing from nationally acclaimed Manchester oil painter and artist to the King, Chloe Cox, and Brighton-based textile artist Corinna Wilson. There will also be work from sculptor and painter Jamie Frost, as well as a showcase of a ‘one-of-a-kind’ art car from Porsche and Boodles, created by artist Sophie Tea.

The organiser’s commitment to bringing something new year-on-year is commendable,” long-standing exhibitor Padgett said. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to that newness this year and to unveil my sculpture of Andy Burnham at the event. I’m looking forward to sharing my story with visitors and showing my wider collection of work.”

The finished work will be gifted to a renowned UK gallery for display in its national collection, with details of the chosen gallery under wraps for now. A second bust will be gifted to the Greater Manchester Mayor, with a third to be retained by Padgett.

Speaking about the work, Sophie Helm, Director of Manchester Art Fair, added: “Anthony’s work is not merely art, it’s a powerful and necessary commentary on the historical imbalance of representation in our national galleries. His vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering inclusive and meaningful dialogue and we are proud to continue supporting an artist who consistently uses their creativity to challenge the status quo.”

Manchester Art Fair takes place from November 21 to 23. Tickets, from £12, can be bought here.