A sculpture of Dame Judi Dench is being auctioned off to raise funds for lymphoedema research.
The acting legend sat for royal sculptor Frances Segelman in front of an audience at Claridge’s in London on Monday night.
Speaking to Sky News, Dame Judi Dench said she wanted to do something to help her friend, photographer Gemma Levine, who was diagnosed with the disease 15 years ago and organised the event.
“Gemma photographed me a very long time ago and we got on very well, we hit it off,” she said.
“I didn’t know about lymphoedema then but I have an assistant Jen, who is my assistant in the theatre and she has lymphoedema, [so] through them I’ve become aware of it and aware of how much we need to be aware of it.”
Sculptor Frances Segelman (left) and Dame Judi Dench
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The actor has been facing her own health issues after being diagnosed with macular degeneration, recently telling Trinny Woodall’s podcast she can no longer go out alone as her vision has deteriorated significantly.
The event doubled as a birthday celebration for the renowned actor, who turned 90 in December.
There were several surprise moments, from Simon Callow reciting poetry on stage to an opera singer leading a chorus of Happy Birthday.
Dame Judi’s daughter Finty Williams took to the stage as the sculpture was being made to reflect on her relationship with her.
Dame Judi Dench hugs her daughter Finty Williams. Pic: PA
Before reading an excerpt from the children’s book Guess How Much I Love You, she noted how the pair always recite the line: “I love you to the moon and back.”
Visibly emotional, the award-winning actor said she was pleasantly surprised by her daughter’s public display of love.
“I didn’t know that was going to happen. I had no idea,” she said.
Dame Judi sits while Frances Segelman sculpts a bust of her. Pic: PA
King Charles among sculptor’s past subjects
Two statues will be made from the sculpture carved in Mayfair – one for Dame Judi and another to be sold at auction to raise funds for lymphoedema research through St George’s Hospital Charity.
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body, typically in the arms and legs, and develops when the lymphatic system is not working properly.
Frances Segelman is also known as Lady Petchey as she was married to businessman and former Watford FC chairman Sir Jack Petchey, who also had the condition.
Her previous work includes busts of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles, and Prince Philip.
Getting the chance to sculpt Dame Judi was a “dream come true”, she said.
“She’s been amazing, amazing, amazing,” she told Sky News.
“[Dame Judi] has got a very pixie-like face, very young, very happy and really gorgeous [with] an amazing spirit that shines through. It’s been absolutely wonderful to be able to sculpture her – such a privilege.”