4 THE  ART OBSERVER June 2007 By Kelly Moralee BENSON LANDES  first became interested in modelling and sculpting whilst playing with plasticine as a child at school. Fascinated by the natural way the shapes evolved from the putty, he developed a passion for sculpture; the desire to be a sculptor was born. It would be more than twenty five years before this dream could be realised. He left school at 14 and, as art school was not an option, a career in the fashion industry beckoned, working alongside his father, learning pattern cutting and studying fashion and design. Aged 18 he was drafted into the RAF serving for several years before returning to the family business. At 22 years old, he left his father’s business and entered the realm of Haute Couture; this would later play a significant role in shaping the work of the artist. The demands of the fashion industry may not have been Benson Landes’ passion but the years of dedication certainly formed the way he approaches his art. A lifetime of pattern cutting and fitting clothes for the female figure, together with the constant measurement taking, gave him an incredibly accurate understanding of the female form and provided him with the information he needed to portray the female physique. A love of ballet inspired Benson Landes; the grace and elegance that he achieves in his work is apparent to the observer and he attributes the characteristic elegance and movement of his classical sculptings to his career as a couturier. A ‘lifetime of wanting to please’ has meant that he gains immense pleasure in creating exquisite sculptures that bring joy to others. Benson chooses to have his work cast in bronze because, he says, the emphasis has always been on quality in his life - from using the finest silks imported from Switzerland, to the best skilled labour, hand tailoring and sewing every garment they sold. This devotion to the finer things in life manifests itself in some truly breathtaking sculptures that make this man a remarkable artist. The last twenty five years have been dedicated to sculpting, during which time the demand for his work has grown and afforded him great success with Garrads, the Crown Jewellers. He is represented by selected galleries throughout the U.K. and most recently by the Wendy Levy Gallery in Didsbury. He is often saddened by some of the harsher aspects of the modern world and seeks to create pieces of delicate beauty that are able to bring happiness to others. The influence of the classical artists in his work gives his sculptures a timeless appeal. Much like the gentleman himself, his work is a charming and romantic throw back to a more classic and gentile way of life. Main Picture: ‘Fandango’ Insert Picture: Benson Landes THE BRONZES OF BENSON LANDES No.4 Dine and Wine NO.4 DINE AND WINE  is a gem of a restaurant to be found on a charming cobbled street in Didsbury Village. The chef, Paul Burton, who owns the restaurant with his wife Nina, ensures that only the best quality ingredients are used in his mouthwatering dishes. They have run this intimate restaurant together for the past eighteen months, providing a most agreeable ambience with excellent lunch and dinner menus. Not surprisingly, it has become the popular place to dine. They are about to introduce some new dishes to their menu; a starter of Singapore Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce will awaken the sleepiest of taste buds, whilst Roast Cod Fillet with Potted Shrimps and Gremolata Mash will be a delicious new main course. If you want to finish with a seasonal desert, Summer Pudding with Cornish Clotted Cream is highly recommended. They will, of course, be keeping some of the favourites on the menu, such as: Crispy Duck Wontons, Slow Roast Belly of Pork and Soft Chocolate Pudding, together with other tasty and very satisfying dishes. Paul and Nina are providing a new offer for those attending exhibition preview nights at the Wendy J Levy Art Gallery. A 10% discount will be given off the a la carte menu. To take advantage of this offer the booking must be made at least the day before and this offer must be mentioned at the time of booking. The restaurant opens on Sundays, serving brunch from 11am - 2pm, with their increasingly popular Sunday Lunch being served between 12noon and 2pm. The restaurant is closed on Mondays but is open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch from 12noon to 2pm and dinner from 7pm. 4 Warburton Street, Didsbury Village, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6WA. Tel: 0161 445 0448 from 7pm. New menu and preview night offers at No.4 No.4 Dine & Wine Open for lunch Tuesday - Saturday 12.00 - 2.00pm Sundays 11.00am - 2.00pm Dinner Tuesday - Saturday from 7.00pm Midweek Menu 2 courses £11.95 or 3 courses £13.95 Served Tuesday,Wednesday & Thursday 7.00pm - 9.30pm 3 Course Sunday Lunch Menu £13.95 12.00 - 2.00pm Sunday Brunch 11.00am - 2.00pm No.4’s Brunch,Veggie Brunch, Eggs Benedict or Smoked salmon & scrambled eggs ‘Gallery Preview Nights’ at Wendy J Levy Contemporary Art Ltd 10% off a la carte menu Booking must be made at least the day before and offer mentioned Visit our website... www.no4dineandwine.com 4 Warburton Street,  Didsbury Village,  Didsbury,  Manchester M20 6WA  Tel:  0161 445 0448 Warburton  Street