John Lennon peace sculptor Laura Lian dies after short illness

Laura Lian died at the age of 72 after a short illness

The artist behind a statue of John Lennon on Liverpool's Penny Lane has died, her former agent has confirmed.

Laura Lian, who designed the bronze sculpture of a young Lennon leaning on a peace symbol, died on Tuesday morning after a "short illness", Mick Ord said.

The statue was first displayed at Glastonbury Festival in 2018 and toured the UK and Holland before finding its home on Penny Lane in 2022.

Ms Lian, 72, was described by Mr Ord as a "free spirit" and "hippy at heart".

He told the BBC: "She was very much part of the peace and love generation, and she was very proud of that fact."

Ms Lian was born in Cambridge and moved to Canada before returning to the UK.

According to her website, famous collectors of her work include Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne.

'Much missed'

Liverpool councillor Richard Kemp, who represents Penny Lane ward, described Ms Lian as an "incredible talent" who was drawn to Lennon's message of peace

He said he had known the artist for around six years, after she approached local councillors about finding a home for the statue.

He said: "I think she will be much missed by the people of this area."

The John Lennon Peace Statue was moved to Liverpool's St George's Hall after its stint at Glastonbury festival, and had also been displayed in the Hard Rock Hotel in London and the ARTZUID exhibition in Amsterdam.

Since August, 2022, it has been outside St Barnabas Church in Mossley Hill, where Penny Lane meets Allerton Road.

It was vandalised four months later, when both lenses from Lennon's glasses were removed, but was fully repaired.

Speaking about the statue in 2023, Ms Lian said: "I was inspired by John and Yoko's message of peace as a teenager and the fact that we are still warring in 2023 shows it is still so important to spread the message of peace, and focus on and kindness and love."