TWICKENHAM.- A special exhibition celebrating the life and work of pop-artist and sculptor Gerald Laing (1936-2011) is now open at the World Rugby Museum.

Gerald Laing first made his name in the 1960s among a group of emerging American pop-artists that included Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Indiana and Jim Rosenquist. In later years he turned his hand to sculpture and left his imprint all over Twickenham Stadium in the shape of ‘The Four Players’ and the monumental ‘Core Values’ line-out sculpture that stands outside the stadium.

The exhibition Core Values: The Life and Work of Gerald Laing runs throughout the QBE Internationals and 2014 RBS 6-Nations period. On public display for the first time are be a selection of Gerald’s conceptual drawings and the actual resin moulds used to cast the five large scale players’ heads from the Core Values sculpture, which visitors will be invited to touch and feel.

The exhibition explores:

· Gerald’s work and a series of remarkable life-changing events that shaped his artistic direction

· The production of the Core Values statue from concept to bronze casting and installation by Black Isle Bronze foundry

· The Rugby Football Union’s commitment to the sport’s core values of Teamwork, Discipline, Respect, Sportsmanship and Enjoyment.

Museum Curator Michael Rowe said: “We are delighted to open this exciting new exhibition at the World Rugby Museum. The ‘Core Values’ line-out sculpture is one of Twickenham’s iconic attractions, so it’s great that we can tell people the story behind it and about the man who created it.”

Farquhar Laing, the artist’s son said: “’Core Values’ was one of my father’s most important commissions , and he would have been delighted by this tribute to his work. This thoughtfully-curated exhibition shows just how meticulous he was as an artist ; it’s a fine celebration of the making of a remarkable sculpture.”