A �90,000 appeal has been launched to create an artwork in tribute to one of Suffolk’s greatest sons, Cardinal Wolsey.

The tribute to Thomas Wolsey will be built outside Curson House, opposite Curson Lodge, in Ipswich, on the corner of St Nicholas Street and Silent Street.

The location marks the spot where the famous cardinal proposed to retire.

Dr John Blatchly, chairman of patrons for the Wolsey artwork project, introduced the chosen sculptor for the prestigious task, David Annand, at the launch event which was held at St Lawrence Centre in Dial Lane.

Historians and patrons of the Wolsey appeal gathered at the launch, which was held yesterday, as Wolsey’s Bells rung out across the streets of Ipswich.

The bronze statue is set to display Wolsey as an enlightened teacher, who was schooled in his birthplace and wished to develop a great school in Ipswich to rival the likes of Eton.

The statue will reflect a seated figure of Wolsey, with a book in one hand and the other hand raised as if he were teaching.

Dr Blatchly said: “We in Ipswich wish to portray Thomas Wolsey, our most famous son, in his birthplace because we feel that such a commemoration is much overdue.

“Our statue will be a celebration of all that is best and most enduring about teaching and learning in Ipswich and Suffolk ever since, and into the future.’’

David Annand has been commissioned to complete sculptures around the world.

He said: “The patrons were looking for something life-like and so many statues are very dead looking so my main aim was to make something that had a sparkle in the eye.

“I wanted to make something with vitality and balance.”