Famous Isle of Wight waxwork of chimney sweep saved

They clubbed together to pull off a heartwarming rescue mission, to save the famous former Brading Waxworks figure, successfully bidding for him at HRD Auction Rooms, paying £650.

The iconic figure of the little boy chimney sweep had remained in the former Waxworks Museum, with most of the previous figures auctioned off when the building closed in 2010.

When actress Hanna Nixon saw Valentine was up for auction, she was quick to rally a group of friends to save him, including historian Joanne Thornton and filmmaker Rowena Amos.

The waxwork at auction (Image: Hanna Nixon)

Hanna said: “Like many locals, I have vivid childhood memories of visiting the wax museum, seeing the little boy stuck down the chimney has always stayed with me.

"I felt as an Islander, and a mother, his story could not be lost once the museum had closed. It’s such a tragic tale and an important part of our history. Children today need to know about it.”

The wax figure of the little boy was originally found on the top floor of the museum. Visitors peered down a replica chimney to see a soot covered Valentine climbing up inside.

Hanna Nixon and Valentine (Image: Hanna Nixon)

It depicted the true story of orphan Valentine Gray, a chimney sweep who was brutally murdered by his master in 1822, for failing to adequately clean a chimney.

His tragic death, aged just ten years old, prompted The Climbing Boys Act, a landmark piece of legislation that prohibited anyone under the age of 21 to be forced to enter chimney flues for sweeping.

It was a significant step in the fight against child labour.

Valentine Gray is buried in Church Litten Park in Newport with Gray’s Walk named in his memory.

The women are aiming to find a permanent home for the waxwork in one of the local heritage centres, where he can be displayed and used for education purposes, ensuring future generations will learn how one little boy’s tragedy helped to change history.