Posted 08 December 2020 - 14:53
Posted 08 December 2020 - 14:53
News
Micro-sculpture of nurse to be auctioned to raise money for PPE charity
The Invisible Battle represents work of healthcare staff during COVID-19 pandemic
The Invisible Battle by Willard Wigan represents work of healthcare and research staff during COVID-19 pandemic
A micro-sculpture of a nurse that is less than 0.5mm tall is to go to auction this week to raise money for charity.
The sculpture depicts a nurse holding a sword and an NHS flag while facing an approaching COVID-19 virus.
Symbolic of the roles played by nurses and scientists
The artwork, which is mounted on the tip of a hypodermic needle, is by sculptor Willard Wigan, who has created some of the world’s smallest handmade sculptures. He says the nurse symbolises all healthcare staff caring for people affected by the virus, while the hypodermic needle celebrates the scientists who are discovering ways to beat it.
The sculpture, called The Invisible Battle, has a guide price of £150,000-200,000.
Funds raised from its sale will be donated to Mask Our Heroes, a charity set up this year to provide ethically-produced personal protective equipment.
Businessman Matt McGahan, who founded the charity after the death of his father from the virus in March, said: ‘The image captures the work of the NHS brilliantly and is a tribute to the incredible efforts of those on the front line, which I sadly witnessed first-hand.’
Creating miniature works of art
Dr Wigan, who has been awarded an MBE for his services to art, previously sold a set of sculptures valued at £11 million. He creates his sculptures under a microscope using tiny carving tools.
‘I hope this micro-sculpture is the grain of sand that creates a tidal wave of success for the good causes it will raise money for,’ he said.
The online auction for The Invisible Battle will be live-streamed on 20 December at 6.30pm.
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