The Blackpool Dance Festival team has launched an urgent appeal to trace a historic bronze and ivory figurine that was once a treasured trophy from the early days of Blackpool Winter Gardens.
The art deco statue, created by renowned artist D.H. Chiparus, depicts an elegant dancer and is one of twelve historic trophies that were cleared out from the Winter Gardens prior to its sale to Leisure Parcs in the early days of the venue's history.
The valuable piece was sold at auction, during the 1990s, at Smythes Auctioneers in Cleveleys for £25,200 to a mystery London bidder. Despite extensive searches, the figurine's current whereabouts remain unknown.
The Blackpool Dance Festival team believes the statue could be displayed with pride in a dancer's home, owned by someone unaware of its historical significance and connection to Blackpool's dance heritage, stored away in a box or attic, passed down through generations, or part of a private collection.
This exquisite bronze and ivory dancer represents an important piece of Blackpool's cultural history and the world-renowned dance tradition that has made the Winter Gardens famous across the globe.
Natalie Hayes, Blackpool Dance Festival organiser, said: "This beautiful Chiparus figurine represents such an important piece of our dance festival's rich history, and we would love to reconnect with it, especially as we approach our centenary celebrations in May 2026.
‘’We're not looking to reclaim ownership – we simply want to open a conversation with whoever currently treasures this piece.
‘’Perhaps they would consider loaning it to us for our centenary year, allowing thousands of dancers and visitors from around the world to appreciate its beauty and significance.
‘’It would be wonderful to have this historic trophy back home, even temporarily, as we celebrate 100 years of the world's most prestigious ballroom dancing competition. We'd be delighted to discuss possibilities with the current owner and ensure the figurine is handled with the utmost care and respect it deserves.”
The Blackpool Dance Festival team is keen to reconnect with this significant piece of heritage and would welcome any information about its current location as it approaches its Centenary celebrations in May 2026.
If you own this figurine, know of its whereabouts, or have any information that could help locate it, please contact: The Blackpool Dance Festival Team - dancefestival@wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
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