War horse which caught GG's eye sold

A copper sculpture of an Australian soldier kneeling beside his war horse that caught the eye of Governor-General Peter Cosgrove at the Anzac centenary commemorations has been snapped up for a hefty price tag by a Perth philanthropist.

Brad Lucas’ Anzac Spirit artwork has generated considerable public interest since it went on display at Vancouver Arts Centre in October, and the emerging artist is “stoked” it was gifted to the City of Albany on Thursday by Perth businesswoman Rhonda Peploe.

The family of Albany-born Mrs Peploe have strong ties to the port city and she dedicated the purchase to her grandmother, Mary Selby, who arrived in Albany in 1910.

She paid $40,000 for the sculpture, which took Mr Lucas 14 weeks to weld using $10,000 worth of copper, and said she was “very proud” to give something back to the community.

Mr Lucas, who works as a farrier, was inspired by his love for horses and respect for Anzac soldiers, after discovering he enjoyed welding copper in his previous job as a plumber.

“I was blown away,” he said. “It was very unexpected, just unbelievable.”

Mayor Dennis Wellington said he was “very pleased” the sculpture would remain in Albany.

Sites for its permanent display are being investigated.

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