Godiva (fl. 1040–1067) Old English: Godgifu, known as Lady Godiva, was an 11th-century Anglo-Saxon noblewoman. Legends of her life date back at least to the 13th century.
She was moved by her Christian faith to accept a challenge set her by her husband - that if she would ride naked through the streets of Coventry he would cancel oppressive taxes he was inflicting on his tenants.
This story inspired the making of the Bronze celebrating this event
She was moved by her Christian faith to accept a challenge set her by her husband - that if she would ride naked through the streets of Coventry he would cancel oppressive taxes he was inflicting on his tenants.
This story inspired the making of the Bronze celebrating this event
Below are some of the details of the making of the sculpture of the Lady of courage who dared to do what was needed to see people rescued from oppression
Inspiration for Lady Godiva's horse ~ the Spanish stallion Boethos
The Spanish eye
The Spanish stallion at Northfield farm, Derbyshire, was a marvellous help and inspiration to inform the sculpture of Boethos,
Lady Godiva's horse,
stepping out from the safety of her courtyard
Stepping Out
Boethos...all ready to be tacked up and saddled for Lady Godiva to ride
Close up of the details of the bridle and reins
The ornamented saddle and folds of Lady Godivas dropped cloak
The project progressed and the finished clay sculpture cast into Bronze by the lost wax process.
