Iconic sculpture to be unveiled at Highcross

A sculpture by an internationally recognised artist is set to be unveiled by the University at Highcross next week as the symbol for the Centre for Medicine Appeal.

‘Renewal’, which will be unveiled on Tuesday 3 March, will be hosted by Highcross as the University continues to fundraise for a new state-of-the-art Centre for Medicine Building.

The £42 million Centre, which represents the largest investment in applied research and medical teaching by any UK university in the last decade, will have a significant impact on the training of future doctors, the fight against chronic disease, and revolutionising patient care in Leicester and beyond.

The sculpture, by artist Diane Maclean, was commissioned by the University as the symbol of the Appeal. Utilising Diane’s existing sculpture ‘Ovum’, which was previously displayed at the University’s 2013 Sculpture in the Garden exhibition at the Botanic Garden, ‘Renewal’ has a snake as its central element, symbolising healing and medicine. The periodic renewal of a snake’s skin has long associated snakes with healing, making the sculpture a fitting symbol for the £10 million public fundraising appeal.

‘Renewal’ will be unveiled by Professor Nick London, Head of the University’s Department of Medical and Social Care Education, to an audience of supporters, academics, patients, students as well as some Leicester Tigers rugby players in support of the Appeal. The sculpture will remain at the upper mall of Highcross by John Lewis until moving to its permanent home at the Centre for Medicine, which is set to open on Lancaster Road in the autumn.

To make a £5 donation to the Centre for Medicine Appeal, text TMRW15 £5 to 70070 .

Update, 9 March: Leicester Tigers players Brad Thorn, Freddie Burns, Neil Briggs and Adam Thompstone were on hand to show their support at the unveiling of 'Renewal' at the Highcross.

See the Centre for Medicine's appeal video 'Training Tomorrow's Doctors' below: