Architects Practice wins bid to be part of the team to create monument for Footballer Jack Leslie.

Matthew Montague Architects have been selected as the architects to work with renowned sculpture Andy Edwards and Monumental Icons to deliver a new statue to commemorate footballer Jack Leslie outside Plymouth Argyle Football Club, Home Park Stadium.

This isn’t the first time that the practice has worked in partnership with Andy Edwards and Monumental Icons. In 2010 the practice was commissioned to work with the team to oversee the design, manufacture, setting and installation of the Clough Taylor monument at Derby County Football Club.

Jack Leslie signed for Plymouth Argle in 1921 and scored 137 goals in his 13 year career there. Jack was selected to represent England in 1925, but his name was removed from the team sheet when it was discovered that he was black.

The Jack Leslie Campaign was set up in 2019 by two Argyle fans who had learned of the story. The crowd funding appeal raised over £100,000 and now the statue has been commissioned.

Garry McBride, Managing Director of Monumental Icons commented “We’re incredibly proud to be chosen to collaborate on this project. Andy is a very talented artist and the Jack Leslie Campaign has worked tirelessly to make this monument a reality. We have a fantastic team and are looking forward to delivering a monument of such significance.”

Matthew Montague Architects and the design team will identify a fitting location and setting for the statue.

The statue aims to promote and share Jack’s story, to celebrate diversity and combat racism. Jack’s story can still affect change nearly 100 years on and we are proud to be a part of it.

Site visits are taking place and the team are the project is underway. It is hoped that the statue will be unveiled next year.

If you would like advice on architectural services contact Matthew Montague on 01335 330510 or email matthew@matthewmontague.co.uk.