The “Tin Man” campaign for the statue launched on the 8th November 2016 to commemorate the 130th anniversary of his death.

Arguably one of the first sporting heroes, Fred Archer, ‘The Tin Man’, was a legend in his time (1857 – 1886) and is one of our first sporting heroes. He won a remarkable 1 in 3 races during his 17-year racing life, a champion jockey for 13 years, winning 2748 races, with 21 classic wins, including the Derby 5 times, riding 246 winners in 1885 alone.

He tragically shot himself when he was only 29.

The sculpture will use this portrait, depicting Fred Archer, standing in his Lord Hastings colours after his 1885 Derby win on Melton.

Unusually tall for a jockey at 5ft 10inches Archer was constantly trying to keep his riding weight down to 8 stone, which, combined with his irreconcilable loss of his young wife, was one of the reasons that led to his suicide while battling with typhoid fever. Archer had a remarkable competitive nature and will to win, and whilst he rode for the elite, such as Prince of Wales (King Edward VII), Dukes of Westminster, Hamilton and Portland, Lord Falmouth and Lord Hastings, he was a people’s man and idolised wherever he went.

“It’s hard to understand just what effect his unexpected suicide had on the country. If one can remember the public reaction to Princess Diana’s death, Archer’s death had a similar impact. National mourning and tributes poured out in newspapers here in the UK and in America. Everyone was grieving over this much-loved and inspirational sporting-hero. Fred Archer left a considerable fortune when he died.”

A bronze statue will be created to commemorate this extraordinary sporting hero. The title of the statue will be : “The Tin Man – too tall for a jockey?” and will stand life-size at 5 foot 10 inches, positioned at ground level, so visitors can appreciate just how exceptionally tall Archer was for a jockey. The site location is close to the All Saints’ Church where Archer was married and also had his funeral.

The Tin Man Committee

The Tin Man Committee is a group of well-known figures from the racing fraternity, who fully support this Fred Archer Commemoration Statue Project. The organisation is founded by Fred Archer’s great grand-son, Alex Tosetti, and includes: Brough Scott, Nick Luck, Jilly Cooper, John Berry, Graham Snelling, Kate Hills, James Fanshawe, Tim Hailstone, Edward Gillespie, Steven Blake, Sir Mark Prescott, Tim Cox.

The Committee have already confirmed interest from established sculptors in the industry who are ready to commence the project and produce this bronze of national sporting importance.

Through this project, the Committee wishes to celebrate the racing tradition and emphasise the sporting prowess of characters such as Fred Archer for future generations to enjoy.

Alex Tosetti is also a patron of the Fred Archer Racing syndicate run by James and Jacko Fanshawe at Pegasus Stables which is also helping to raise the profile of this great legend.

Individuals or organisations are sought to contribute to all or part of the funding for this project. Only £45,000 is needed for the production and installation of the bronze sculpture.

The statue sponsors / funders will be named on a plaque at ground level and invited to the unveiling ceremony. The statue supporters will be rewarded for their generosity.  There will also be limited edition miniature maquettes available too.

For more information or to pledge funding support contact

Alex Tosetti on + 44 7803 627 116

archersup@btinternet.com

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