Plan for statue of Brief Encounter film legend in Carnforth

Campaigners are working feverishly behind the scenes trying to bring a statue of David Lean to the town.

Lean (1908-1991) was the director of ‘Brief Encounter’, the 1945 film shot at Carnforth railway station.

The Oscar-winning movie maker also directed other classics such as The Bridge on the River Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago.

Sculptor Laura Lian has already drawn a sketch of how the life-size bronze might look.

Laura, who has a studio in Somerset, is also working on a sculpture of John Lennon for New York City.

She has also sculpted rock band U2 and jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, and her work is collected by Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and music mogul Sharon Osbourne.

Laura visited Carnforth last month for talks on the project.

Malcolm Watkins, mayor of Carnforth, said the sculpture could go in front of Ash Trees doctor’s surgery on Market Street.

“We think it would be good for the town,” said Coun Watkins.

“We don’t know how many people it would attract but we will do some research.

“Anything that can enhance the town is positive.

“The sculptor is very high profile and she was quite excited about it.”

Coun Watkins said Carnforth Town Council was waiting to hear from David Lean’s family before pressing ahead with plans.

He said a company in London, Square Rock, is seeking endorsement from other members of the film making community.

Initial estimates for the project are that it would cost £95,000 and Carnforth Town Council has already held talks on how this might be raised.

An exhibition on David Lean’s life is currently on show in Carnforth station and pulled 4,000 visitors during its opening month.

Brief Encounter is a black-and-white romantic film about strangers who meet in a railway station and fall in love, starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard.