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James Bowen to unveil new Avenue Cat Bob statue in Islington

James Bowen to unveil new Avenue Cat Bob statue in Islington
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‘Bob was not like other cats. You can see his character in the statue,’ claims James Bowen as a statue of Street Cat Bob is unveiled on Islington Eco-friendly

A statue celebrating the daily life and legacy of Road Cat Bob will be unveiled on Islington Environmentally friendly in London on July 12.

The ginger tom cat rose to fame on the shoulders of Big Difficulty vendor James Bowen, becoming the subject of books and films that have been world-wide hits. But his faithful human companion James and millions of lovers around the globe were being left heartbroken when Bob handed absent final June, at 14 yrs of age.

Now Bob will be immortalised in bronze just a stone’s toss from their outdated pitch at Angel Station, north London. The statue will sit on the inexperienced in front of the Waterstones bookshop where by James to start with began creating down their uplifting tale of love, loyalty, hope and redemption.

“The idea experienced been in the back again of my mind, given that the initially e-book,” says Bowen, who has been moved by the psychological reaction to Bob’s death. “What would I do when Bob was no lengthier in the physical realm? It’s not one thing you like to feel about. But other people talked about it with me and the strategy of the statue experienced come about.

“Over 100,000 persons have donated towards it. It is been a all over the world work of aid.”

Street Cat Bob statue teaser

Bob Statue Teaser HERO

Below wraps: a statue of Street Cat Bob will be unveiled on July 12. Image: Carmela Amaddio

The outstanding tale of how James located Bob hurt and deserted in 2007, took treatment of the young cat who in convert gave him a explanation to get up every morning, and how they grew to become inseparable, busking and advertising The Massive Problem on the streets of London, swiftly became a bestseller.

The sequence of publications released by Hodder and Stoughton, which commenced with A Avenue Cat Named Bob in 2012, have bought much more than eight million copies in more than 40 languages and been adapted into two films starring Luke Treadaway as James opposite Bob (as himself). Bob was cherished everywhere he went.

Bob undoubtedly was not like other cats. And I’m delighted to say that you can see his character in the statueJames Bowen

The new statue has been established by sculptor Tanya Russell and will be unveiled at a little ceremony attended by James Bowen.

Russell says: “I’ve been truly confused by the volume of really like there is for Bob and just how a lot James and Bob’s tale usually means to everyone. It is so strong. So it is important that persons really like this sculpture – it’s aspect of the memory of Bob.”

Happily, Bowen loves the new perform. “Bob absolutely wasn’t like other cats,” he says. “And I’m happy to say that you can see his character in the statue.”

“Never has there been a cat so cherished,” included Paul McNamee, editor of The Significant Difficulty. “Not only by James and all of us at The Huge Concern but hundreds of thousands of individuals all-around the planet.

“It is, consequently, only ideal that Bob ought to be honoured in this way, shut to where by the story all started, by James’ Large Difficulty pitch in Islington. We applaud Bob’s faithful supporter club and gifted sculptor Tanya Russell for producing it all doable.”

With limits on obtain to Islington Eco-friendly for the unveiling ceremony, followers are urged to observe the function on line.

“We’ll be broadcasting on Facebook, Twitch and YouTube,” suggests Bowen. “Everybody is going to be ready to observe the presentation in genuine time and view the slideshow that goes with it, to share in the recollections I’m sharing. Just staying a section of that livestream is just exhibiting the adore.

“I definitely have to say that if individuals are organizing on attending, they should really think two times. Because we do have restrictions and principles for a purpose. Bob’s memorial is going to be there for lifestyle – so you can check out the stay stream and stop by at yet another time. Sorry, which is my public services announcement there!”

But soon, everybody will be in a position to follow in Bob’s pawprints and get pleasure from a moment’s contemplation in the heart of Islington. Just as James Bowen and Bob as soon as did.

“We utilised to go there each day,” states Bowen. “When we had been advertising the Major Problem in the afternoons, we would have lunch there. So it’s the ideal place for him.”

Lovers are invited to view a livestream from 11.55am on Monday 12 July at www.facebook.com/streetcat.bob.formal