Alison Lapper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alison Lapper
MBE
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Alison Lapper in Brighton, December 2018
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| Born | 7 April 1965 Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire
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| Education | Chailey Heritage School Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled People |
| Alma mater | Heatherley School of Fine Art University of Brighton School of Art |
Alison Lapper MBE (born 7 April 1965) is a British artist. She is known for her unique art and for being the subject of a famous sculpture. This sculpture, called Alison Lapper Pregnant, was shown in Trafalgar Square in London. Alison and her son, Parys, also appeared in the BBC TV series Child of Our Time.
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Early Life and Education
Alison Lapper was born on 7 April 1965 in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. She was born without arms and with shorter legs. This condition is called phocomelia. As a baby, she lived in a special home.
She was given artificial limbs. However, she found it much easier to live without them. She felt they were not truly helpful for her.
Alison left Chailey Heritage School in Sussex when she was 17. She then moved to London. She studied at the Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled People. There, she learned to drive.
She continued her education at Sutton College of Learning for Adults. Alison earned good grades in art. Later, she studied at the Heatherley School of Fine Art.
Alison then moved to Brighton. She attended the University of Brighton. In 1994, she graduated with a top degree in Fine Art.
Artistic Career and Style
Alison Lapper uses different art forms. She works with photography, digital imaging, and painting. Her art often questions what is considered "normal" or "beautiful." She uses herself as the main subject in her artwork.
Alison is a member of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists of the World (AMFPA). She joined as a student and later became a full member. She was inspired by the famous sculpture Venus de Milo. This ancient statue has physical similarities to Alison's own body.
Her art has been shown in many exhibitions in Britain. One notable place was the Royal Festival Hall. In May 2003, Alison was given an MBE. This award was for her important contributions to art.
After her son Parys was born in 2000, Alison created an art display. It featured photographs of herself with her baby. Alison and Parys were also part of the BBC television show Child of Our Time. In 2006, she wrote a book about her life called My Life in My Hands.
The Marc Quinn Sculpture
Alison Lapper became the subject of a sculpture by Marc Quinn. The sculpture is called Alison Lapper Pregnant. At first, Alison was unsure about posing for him. She wanted to make sure he would show disability in a respectful way. She did not want his art to make people feel pity.
Marc Quinn noticed that old statues often looked beautiful even if their limbs were missing. He wanted to create art that showed bodies born in a similar way as equally beautiful. When he called Alison again, she told him she was seven months pregnant. He was very excited and said, "That's even better!" In November 1999, Alison visited Quinn's studio. There, a cast was made of her body.
The sculpture is made from Carrara marble. It was placed on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. This is a famous spot in London. The sculpture was displayed there from September 2005 until late 2007. A very large copy of the sculpture was also featured. This was during the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Paralympics.
Honours and Recognition
In May 2003, Alison Lapper received an MBE. This award recognized her services to art. In July 2014, she received another special honour. The University of Brighton gave her an honorary doctorate.
Personal Life
Alison Lapper has a son named Parys. She was pregnant with him when she posed for the Marc Quinn sculpture. Parys faced some challenges growing up.
See also
- Mouth and foot painting
