Robert Delford Newbigging (1934–2012) was a Canadian artist, visual arts teacher, children's author, whose bronze-fashioned works have been showcased in art galleries across Europe and North America.[1] Newbigging is best known for facilitating the project concept, development and creation of Toronto's Alexander Wood statue.[2]
Popularly known by the nickname Del Newbigging, the Listowel, Ontario native was author and illustratorofRobert Rat Has A Problem, a children's book teaching the significance of agreeing to disagree and the importance of nutrition.[3]
On July 16, 2000,[4] Newbigging co-founded the Medallic Art Society of Canada (MASC),[5] an organization "dedicated to the creation, promotion, appreciation and education of the fine art of the medal."[6]
Of his body of works, Newbigging's most notable contribution is his monumental statue of the late Alexander Wood,[7] a merchant and magistrate in the city of York (now Toronto).[8]
Alexander Wood statue at the corner of Church and Alexander streets in Toronto.
Set in the Church-Wellesley neighborhood, the bronze sculpture of Alexander Wood is posted at the Church Street and Alexander Street intersection. It was officially unveiled on Saturday May 28, 2005.[9]
"It’s a symbol for any minority community that has struggled and fought to be accepted for their place and home in our city," said Dennis O’Connor, the former Church-Wellesley BIA chair, at the unveiling ceremony.[8]
Newbigging's statue of Wood came after a two year process of development.[1] The two-and-a-half-metre-tall bronze figure was formed almost entirely from that which Newbigging visualized Wood's physical appearance to be, with his prime reference said to have been a mere a silhouette of Wood.[10][2]
"Del Newbigging’s legacy in Toronto’s gay community is literally set not in stone, but rather in a cast of bronze," Toronto City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam told the press. "His meticulous planning and confident execution of Canada’s only monument to a gay pioneer will forever stand proudly over the Church and Wellesley Village. We have Del to thank for this superb contribution to the community."[11]
