UK Sculptor Claims New Zealand Sculpture is an 'Almost Exact Copy'

Keywords: Ray Lonsdale, James Wright, Togetherness, The Big Dance, Riverhaven Artland, Clevedon, sculpture, copyright, New Zealand, UK, artistic dispute, Jim Ross, Corten steel, Gretna Green, artistic integrity, sculpture commission, creative rights, cultural representation, legal dispute, artistic inspiration, public art, creative process, international art, creative ownership, art commission, artistic conflict, cultural symbolism, art community, creative integrity
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Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Ray Lonsdale, a UK-based sculptor, is accusing New Zealand artist James Wright of creating an 'almost exact copy' of his internationally recognized sculpture 'The Big Dance'. The dispute centers around a sculpture titled 'Togetherness', which is now installed at Riverhaven Artland in Clevedon, New Zealand. Wright was commissioned by the late Jim Ross, whose family claims the sculpture was a thoughtful gift representing deep familial bonds and friendship. Lonsdale argues that the design of 'Togetherness' closely mirrors his own work, and he is pushing for Wright to acknowledge the similarity and offer compensation. Wright, however, denies the allegations, stating that his work was independently created and inspired by general themes rather than a specific copy. The family of Jim Ross insists the sculpture is not a copy and refuses to alter its name or pay Lonsdale, citing that copyright does not protect the concept of clasped hands. Lonsdale, who previously had no formal artistic background, has since built a career in sculpture and views this as a matter of professional integrity and reputation.
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