An Iconic Reunion: Statue Model Meets Her Younger Self 60 Years Later
In a heartwarming and unexpected turn of events, Catherine Lee, the muse behind a beloved Dunedin statue, recently had the opportunity to meet her younger self, immortalized in bronze, nearly six decades after her initial encounter with British sculptor Sir Cecil Thomas OBE. This reunion, a testament to the enduring impact of art, took place in the Dunedin Botanic Garden, where the statue has been a cherished part of the landscape since the 1960s.
At just nine years old, Lee posed as Wendy from Peter Pan, a role that would forever be intertwined with her identity. The statue, a testament to her youth and spirit, has become an iconic symbol in the garden, attracting generations of visitors.
Lee, now 68, shared her emotional experience during a public talk, recounting the moment she laid eyes on her bronze replica. "I just remember taking this sharp intake of breath, sort of going 'oh my god, it really exists on the other side of the world. It's there. It's me'. So it was a really heart-stopping moment," she said.
The journey began when Lee's father responded to a small advertisement, leading her to meet Sir Cecil Thomas OBE. She began posing in his South Kensington studio, capturing the essence of Wendy in flight, albeit with some discomfort. The pose required her to kneel on a hard stepladder, arms outstretched, a challenging yet memorable experience.
Despite the physical challenges, Lee enjoyed the overall process, even though she never met the boys who posed as her brothers or the dog that represented Nana. She cherished the photo of the sculpture, a constant reminder of her unique connection to Peter Pan.
"Peter Pan has just always been a part of my life and I've read it obviously. We did the play at my school and I was the understudy for Wendy, but I actually played one of the Lost Boys," she shared, emphasizing the role's deep-rooted impact on her life.
This visit to New Zealand was Lee's first, but she was already aware of the statue's significance. It is one of two Peter Pan-themed sculptures in the garden, and its presence has left a lasting impression. A friend of her father's visit to Dunedin further solidified its importance, as she was greeted with free postcards of the statue, a gesture that highlighted the statue's enduring appeal.
While Lee did not receive payment for her initial experience, she fondly remembers Sir Cecil's kindness and the sense of adulthood it bestowed upon her. "He talked me a little bit like an adult, I think, and it made me feel quite grown up," she recalled.
The garden's visitors, including Katy Sinnott and her family, have cherished memories of the statue, with her mother sharing stories from her childhood. Sinnott, who grew up with the Disney movies and books, was thrilled to share this experience with her children, even crafting a Tinker Bell costume for her daughter, Sophie.
The statue's impact extends beyond its physical presence. It has become a cherished part of the community, with Ann recalling visits with her children and the statue's polished nose, a testament to the children's interactions with it. The sculpture's creation was made possible through a donation by Harold Richmond, a frugal man who loved to give back to the community.
Dunedin Botanic Garden manager Catherine Bradley highlighted the statue's significance, noting its role in providing a place for people to stop, reflect, and find joy. Lee's visit, made possible through collaboration with the Dunedin Library and Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden, was a highlight for all involved.
Lee's journey since her Wendy days has been remarkable. She studied in Oxford, ran an opera company in Italy, and served in the British Civil Service, eventually becoming the director-general in charge of policy at the Ministry of Justice. Her contributions to justice were recognized with the Commander of the British Empire award in 2012, presented by King Charles III.
As Lee prepares to fly home, she reflects on the reunion as a heartwarming homecoming, a testament to the enduring power of art and the memories it creates.
