Edward Bainbridge Copnall MBE (1903-1973) was an architect, painter and sculptor of renown during his lifetime. Living in Lee Priory near Littlebourne in his latter years, he had connections to the Society's founder members and donated one of his maquettes to the Society. It is 16" high and believed to be the maquette for a statue depicting Thomas a Becket. An extensive search of images on the Internet failed to find such a sculpture, so it looks likely that it was never cast. However, there is a completely different statue of Thomas a Becket, by Bainbridge Copnall, in the grounds of St Paul's Cathedral.
The maquette became the Bainbridge Copnall Trophy and is awarded annually to a Society member for excellence in a work of art. The trophy is awarded for the work of art judged to be Best in Show at the Society's annual Summer exhibition.
