Willard, who was born and raised in Wednesfield, creates minute pieces of art which are displayed and viewed through purpose made microscopes. He often creates sculptures in the eye of a needle or on the head of a pin, and his following is worldwide.

Famous collectors include HRH Prince Charles, Sir Elton John and Sir Philip Green. After receiving his MBE for services to art in July 2007, Willard was commissioned to replicate the Coronation Crown in celebration of HM Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. His exhibitions are notoriously busy, attracting visitors in their thousands worldwide. More recently, Willard embarked upon a 3 month television campaign and tour of Australia, New Zealand and Singapore with actor Simon Baker, star of hit television programme, The Mentalist.

Light House Media Centre is privileged to be hosting Willard’s exhibition to mark the true homecoming of this local international artist next spring. The history of The Chubb Buildings, its proximity to public transport and its unique Steampunk architecture were all factors in choosing Light House as the exhibition venue.
Willard, who visited the city centre venue this week, will be working closely with the Light House team to make his homecoming show a reflection of the impressive, but too often hidden creativity of the Black Country.

Marketing and Events Manager Julie Homfray is enthusiastic about the impact on the venue and the city. “When Willard took a previous exhibition to Birmingham, it attracted 7000 people in 2 weeks. Liverpool had 15,000 visitors in 4 weeks and Hamburg had 120,000 visitors to the show in seven months. We’ll be having the exhibition from mid March until at least the end of April and we’re planning school events, corporate events and a special launch. We’ll also be working with other venues to showcase Wolverhampton as a cultural tourist attraction to people visiting the City for the first time.