The world-renowned sculptor, Frances Segelman, has sculpted a bust of Holocaust Survivor and My Voice Storyteller, Marianne Philipps. Most famous for her sculptures of royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, Frances Segelman has sculpted personalities from the world of entertainment, politics and sport. More recently, in partnership with Yad Vashem UK, Frances Segelman has sculpted many Holocaust Survivors including Manfred Goldberg BEM, Lily Ebert MBE BEM and Zigi Shipper BEM z’l.

In early March, at the age of 99, Marianne made the journey from Manchester to London to sit for the sculpture. She was the first Holocaust survivor from Manchester to be sculpted by Frances Segelman. Marianne’s visit to the studio was arranged through The Fed’s My Voice Project in partnership with Yad Vashem UK.

Marianne commented that, “It was amazing, wonderful! A real one-off experience. that doesn’t come everyone’s way so I am very lucky. The sculptor, Frances, was very talented and she showed me a book of all of the sculptures she has done in the past and the history of them, it was fabulous. We didn’t talk much as she had to concentrate whilst she was working, and I had enough sense not to talk either and let her focus. There were lots of photographers around, but I took no notice and stayed frozen . Everyone thought I was wonderful and special to stay so still. So many people were there, including the head of Yad Vashem UK. It was a fabulous trip and I enjoyed it very much.”

My Voice Project Manager, Juliette Pearce, explained why they chose Marianne, “She is a remarkable lady, who lights up the room and makes everyone smile. Her positivity is infectious, and she has a real zest for life, even at the age of 99. It was a huge privilege to accompany her to sit for Frances whose talent is totally awe-inspiring. I was mesmerised as I watched her at work and saw Marianne’s likeness take shape before my eyes. It was a day that I will treasure forever.”

My Voice is a unique project from The Fed, where Holocaust Survivors who settled in the North West after the war tell their story which is then produced into a book. These incredible life stories are told completely in the survivor’s own words with the help of a specially trained Fed befriender – sometimes over a period of many months.