Julian Fellowes and celebrity sculptor Frances Segelman explain why they

are joining forces to raise awareness of the Stroke Association by creating

a clay sculpture of the Downton Abbey creator

As a Conservative party Lord and the internationally successful creator of Downton

Abbey, Julian Fellowes is used to experiencing the finer things in life. But becoming

the subject of a clay sculpture? That’s definitely a new one, even for the writer of

everybody’s favourite period drama.

During a recent evening in aid of the charity the Stroke Association, Fellowes’ head

was moulded by Frances Segelmen, the professional sculptor who has produced

over 90 works for celebrities from the world of sport, politics and entertainment. The

sculpting took place in front of a live audience in central London.

“I like Frances’ work very much and I feel very flattered to have been asked to sit for

her,” Fellowes said on the night. “I am, of course, curious to see what she makes of

my bonce… I am not foolish enough to think that I am a thing of beauty so I don’t

think there are any harsh surprises in store but I shall be curious about the overall

effect it gives off – will it be one of power or misery or fearfulness? You do get a

notion coming out of sculptures that way. I’m very impressed by the speed of

[Frances’] work, that she can get it all done in one night. I didn’t realise that one of

her things was to work very fast.”

The event was the brainchild of Segelmen, who explained why the Stroke

Association is an important cause. “We’re hoping to spread the word and save

people’s lives; let people know how to avoid having a stroke and to raise awareness

about what to do if people have one. It’s an amazing charity and we’re doing what

we can. Every single family will know friends who have had strokes, and if people

know the signs it can save people’s lives.”

As Segelman says, she has a reputation as sculptor of the stars – “I’ve got known for

celebrity sculptures, which seems to be my thing” – but having reimagined clay

likenesses of everyone from Sven Goran Erikson to Sir Bruce Forsythe and everyone

in between, there is no question as to who her favourite subject was.

“Oh, the Queen!” she says with a huge smile. “It was the best experience, the

epitome of my whole career. I look up to her, she’s my idol, I often think about my

experience with her. She was fantastic. It was really scary, I was shaking as I was

measuring her up. But she did like it!”

So after working with Her Royal Highness, how did she feel about the prospect of

producing a sculpture of Julian Fellowes?

“I am so looking forward to it! Julian is quite usual, I watch Downton Abbey and I

love it. I did look at Fellowes beforehand and thought ‘there is so much there, he’s

got real character’. All faces are fantastic to sculpt, but to do the man who wrote

Downton Abbey is special.”

But the proof is in the pudding – and Fellowes revealed what he thought of the final

product.

“It’s odd really, because when you’re in the public eye, even in a minor way, and

you’re used to seeing unflattering photos of yourself in magazines and newspapers,

you get used to learning the worst! So the sculpture was actually very good.”

For more information, please visit www.stroke.org.uk