Verona Medhurst, 58, has been creating sculptures that you can find around Bolton for three years, and the newest sculpture, after several months of work, is complete.
Whilst completing the Town Hall, which Medhurst called her ‘best work,’ she has been undergoing treatment for two benign brain tumours.
“It’s tranquil, just sculpting – the time flies,” she told The Bolton News.
“It’s definitely helped.”
Ms Medhurst has been a mental health worker for close to 20 years and spoke about the importance of art to her.
“It’s definitely improved my mental health.
“With all my illness, it’s helped me through,” she added.
“You’re focusing on something else rather than negative stuff; I suggest art groups to everyone.”
Several of Ms Medhurst’s pieces can be found around Bolton Town, notably a sculpture of Ye Olde Pastie Shop, which can now be found in the window of the historic landmark, as well as Pigeon Tower, which was given to them.
Medhurst said that being Boltonian and sharing Bolton’s history is vital to her art.
“We shouldn’t forget where we came from,” she said.
“I love it [Bolton]; this is why I do it; I don’t want people to just forget these buildings; even if I won the lottery, I would not leave Bolton.”
Ms Medhurst started her journey into sculpting with the group Art for Wellness, a group that currently does not have a home after being forced to leave their old space.
“I’ve been every single week apart from having a brain tumour out.”
She has now begun work on her next project, Le Man’s Crescent, saying she is “a third” of the way done.
She also revealed her plans once that’s complete.
“In my phone, I have a list of future buildings, and there’s one that I really want to make as it’s gone from local to worldwide, and that is Warburton’s Corner Shop Grocers.
“It was actually a little grocers shop on the corner of Blackburn Road, and they started baking—look at Warby’s now.”
After the months of work, Medhurst expressed her desire to see the Town Hall sculpture on display.
“It’s what I’m doing them for (people to see them), the response I’ve had, especially from older people, it’s all their memories.”
You can see the progress of Ms Medhurst’s work on Facebook.