A celebration of Len Goodman’s life and his contribution to Dartford will be captured in a new public artwork by artist Adrian Riley.
Dartford Borough Council has commissioned the talented young artist to create a lasting tribute to the former dance instructor, Strictly Come Dancing judge and TV star who died in 2023 aged 78.
Adrian is working with Len’s family to create a work which will take pride of place outside the Goodman Dance Academy in Dartford Town Centre. It will be a playful celebration of a much-loved man who, despite soaring to world-wide fame at the age of 60, was still happy to describe himself as “a dance teacher from Dartford who got lucky”.
It is Len’s quick wit and mastery of words that has inspired Adrian to install some of his most famous catchphrases on the town centre pavements and public spaces.
Expect to see familiar favourites like ‘Pickle my walnuts,’ ‘it’s all sizzle and no sausage,’ and of course, ‘Seven!’.
Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite said. “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Len’s life here in Dartford town centre. The Goodman Dance Academy is known right across the country and Len Goodman deserves to have the kind of tribute that gets people’s toes tapping. When I met with representatives of Len’s family to see Adrian’s proposals we couldn’t help smiling. It’s a perfect tribute to a perfect gentleman.”
Mr Riley, whose art has been previously commissioned by the NHS, the National Trust and English Heritage, said: “I want people to be inspired to place their feet on the diagrams and dance some of the steps while surrounded by memories of Len’s great wit, pathos and love of life”
Len’s wife, Sue, and his son, James, said: “We are thrilled that Dartford Borough Council are organising a lasting tribute to Len and we are so pleased with the appointment of Adrian Riley. We are excited by Adrian’s vision of how he intends to capture Len’s wit and charm.
Our Dance studio has been teaching people to dance in Dartford for just over 50 years and to now have this wonderful tribute outside our school is incredible and Len would have been truly bowled over by it.”