Widow’s joy as city backs statue for 1950s singing star

Fans have raised £35,000 for the lifesize bronze of David Whitfield, which will go outside Hull New Theatre in Kingston Square.

The Hull-born artist, who began his singing career as a choirboy at St Peter’s Church, notched up a string of hits in the 1950s and was the most successful British male singer in the US at the time.

His widow Sheila Whitfield nervously watched proceedings at the city’s Guildhall as councillors debated the proposals. She said: “I am absolutely over the moon, it couldn’t be in a better place outside a theatre he appeared in quite a few times.

“They wanted David to live in London, he got a contract to go to Hollywood, but he always said ‘no’ I live in Hull and that’s where I want to be.”

The statue which shows the artist with microphone in hand and as if leaning out towards the audience, has been crafted by Barnsley sculptor Graham Ibbeson, who created the statue of comedian Eric Morecambe, which stands in Morecambe, Lancashire.

Local historian John Morfin had objected to the proposals which he said would detract from a Georgian square which had been devoid of statues or other artwork since 1801. But although several members of the planning committee admitting not knowing who he was, Coun Sheila Waudby said people from Hull “absolutely adored him”.

Anne Lightfoot, honorary member of the David Whitfield International Appreciation Society, which was behind the plans, said: “It’s a wonderful way a city can pay a tribute - especially when it’s trying to become a city of culture.”