Gillie & Marc - Life Size sculpture - 'Bill and Virginia'

This beautiful Born Free Foundation bronze lion sculpture is available to purchase to take home! Created by the world-renowned creative artist's Gillie and Marc (Love The Last), they are a celebration of Elsa the lioness, Born Free’s original inspiration, and a symbol of hope for wildlife.

Every lion has their own tale to tell and each has a special affinity with Born Free. From Christian, the cub purchased from Harrods and successfully returned to the wild, to Makena, the Kenyan lioness living in the Born Free-protected Meru National Park, now with cubs of her own. 

This double sculpture is an ode to Virginia McKenna OBE and Bill Travers MBE who co-founded The Born Free Foundation, along with their eldest son Will Travers OBE, in 1984. Virginia is a leading wildlife campaigner, actress and author. Bill, who sadly died in March 1994, was a wildlife campaigner, actor, screenwriter and director. The couple were well known for starring as conservationists Joy and George Adamson in the 1966 film Born Free, telling the iconic story of orphaned lioness Elsa, who was successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild.

The role transformed the direction of both of their lives and careers, and helped spark a lifelong mission to protect wild animals and Keep Wildlife in the Wild. Bill and Virginia were deeply moved by the plight of Pole Pole, the elephant –who appeared alongside them in the 1969 film An Elephant Called Slowly – who was later gifted to London Zoo by the Kenyan government following filming, and sadly died in captivity before she was able to be taken to a sanctuary. This event, along with their deep-rooted love for wildlife and nature sparked when filming Born Free, led to them setting up our charity. Today, Virginia is still actively involved with Born Free and serves as a Trustee.

No.20  Born Free's Virginia & Bill
Length: 306cm, Width: 150 cm, Height: 175cm, Weight: 769 Kg,  Square metres: 4.59. 

The buyer is responsible for the transportation and delivery costs from Hampshire to the destination of buyer's choice. Full T&C's of sale here: https://www.bornfree.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Born-Free-Sculptures-at-CG.pdf

Born Free will receive 100% of the funds bid on this item.