Third World Family

Philip was upset by suffering, especially by that of children. In 1984 the famine in North Africa concerned him greatly and he admired the work that Bob Geldof was doing. Naturally, he wanted to play his part. In one of his television interviews, he was filmed explaining at length the objectives of his sculpture, showing how the unfinished work would come together. It was arguably the most sophisticated and beautifully crafted piece that he had created. Later, he wrote about it:

'Third World Family' by Philip Betts [50x35x40cm]
"It was originally conceived as a group of three: mother and her two children clinging to her in the midst of famine. Later, the base of Africa was added to give the group a sense of location. As Atlas carried the world on his shoulders, so the figure of a strong man holds up Africa and the starving group. This calls to mind the phrase 'The strong shall defend the weak'. This probably would be a more appropriate title since that is how I see life in the future - the love of the strong to unselfishly support, care for, and defend the weak.

I was influenced by the wonderful fund-raising efforts of Live Aid. In time, however, memories become dulled and people forget. So perhaps my piece of work on this subject will serve to remind people that these problems still exist and that a large proportion of the world's population is starving.

The mother struggles on with one small child clutched to her breast - but there is no substance there. The other child walks by her side, one hand clutching his mother's staff, the other round her body. Each is supporting the other in trying to find food."

This sculpture was done at a time when Philip had his first remission period and when his senses were very alive. It is recalled that every time Philip removed the small child figure from its mother's breast, a lump came to his throat and he was filled with emotion. Through the medium of the forged steel he was able to demonstrate his empathy with the depths of despair which that symbolic family group faced.

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