The Charlie Cairoli Statue: From Dream to Legacy

The story of the Charlie Cairoli statue is one of vision, craftsmanship, and enduring admiration. It begins not with stone or bronze, but with a dream — imagined and sketched by Brian, whose early designs laid the foundation for one of Blackpool’s most heartfelt tributes to its greatest clown.

Brian’s Original Vision

Long before plans became reality, Brian created a series of sketches that captured the spirit of Charlie Cairoli with remarkable sensitivity. These drawings became the blueprint for a tribute he hoped would one day stand proudly in Blackpool.

His original dream placed the statue at the junction of Victoria Street and Bank Street, facing the Blackpool Tower — the very stage where Charlie performed for 39 unforgettable years. From this vantage point, the statue would have looked directly toward the heart of Cairoli’s world, welcoming visitors just as Charlie had done for generations.

Though the location would later change, Brian’s designs remain the emotional starting point for the entire project.

From Sketch to Sculpture

Photographs documenting the sculpting process reveal the incredible detail and care poured into bringing Charlie to life. Every curve, expression, and gesture was shaped with deep respect for his legacy. These images show the transformation from Brian’s initial sketches to the three-dimensional figures that would eventually become celebrated works of art.

The statues created from these designs are not mere representations — they embody the warmth, humour, and humanity that made Charlie Cairoli so beloved.

A Call to Honour a Legend

In July 2008, the project gained renewed momentum when Tony Williams, serving on the Blackpool Council Cabinet, proposed a permanent statue to honour Charlie Cairoli’s extraordinary contribution to the resort.

Recognised worldwide as one of the greatest clowns of all time, Cairoli helped build Blackpool’s reputation as a centre of entertainment. The idea of formally celebrating him resonated deeply with residents, many of whom had grown up attending the Tower Circus and cherished the memories he helped create.

Crafting the Stone Plinth at Stanley Park

The initial location for the statue was Blackpool’s Stanley Park, an important and much-loved landmark. Here, work began on the stone plinth that would support the sculpture — a task undertaken with tremendous care and craftsmanship.

Local artisans shaped, profiled, and engraved three different stone types by hand, creating a base that would honour Charlie’s legacy with the dignity it deserved. Every chisel strike carried a sense of pride: this was not just stonework, but an expression of love for one of the town’s most iconic figures.

The project connected Blackpool’s heritage of skilled stonework with the joyful legacy of Cairoli himself. It became a privilege for all involved, uniting craftsmanship with community admiration.

A Final Home at the Blackpool Tower

Although the project began with Stanley Park as its intended site, the completed statue ultimately found its rightful place at Blackpool Tower, the landmark most closely tied to Charlie’s life and career.

Standing there today, the statue serves as a lasting reminder of the laughter Cairoli brought to millions and the indelible mark he left on Blackpool’s cultural history. It celebrates not only the man but the generations of joy he inspired.

A Legacy Preserved

From Brian’s original sketches to the artisans’ hand-carved stonework, and from community support to the statue’s final placement at the Tower, the Charlie Cairoli statue represents far more than a commemorative artwork.

It is a tribute built from passion, nostalgia, and respect — a testament to a town’s enduring affection for a man who shaped its identity through humour, heart, and artistry.



Charlie Cairoli lives on in the memories of all who saw him perform, and now, through this remarkable statue, he continues to smile upon Blackpool for generations to come.