North West-based artist Eric Jackson has presented the Man on the Bench sculptor Simon Law with a poster of his most notable work.

Awarded to him on Irlam station next to his creation, Simon received the poster from Eric as part of a 62nd birthday present from his daughter Fran.

Eric Jackson’s Irlam Poster. Image: Eric Jackson

Eric, who has an online gallery called Statement Artworks, said: “One of the loveliest things about what I do is that my work, mostly being about the cities, towns and villages of the North West, conjures up some remarkable local connections.”

He said meeting Simon was quite a moment for both of them. “Although while Simon is a fanatical United fan, I’m very much of the Blue persuasion,” he joked.

Man on the Bench
Eric Jackson presents painting to Simon Law. Image: Simon Law

Simon Law created his locally famous At the End of the Day sculpture 46 years ago, as part of a project at Irlam High School.

More commonly known as The Man on the Bench, the piece was originally made of plaster and then cast in bronze and is now the pride of Irlam station.

Simon Law. Image: Eric Jackson

Simon would go on to create sculptures of notable figures, such as footballers Denis Law and Coronation Street’s Violet Carson.

Simon now lives in Altrincham and has enjoyed a highly successful career in engineering.

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