DOWNTON Abbey creator Julian Fellowes found himself in the spotlight when he became the subject of a clay sculpture for a charity fundraiser.

During an evening in aid of the Stroke Association, Lord Fellowes’ head was moulded by Frances Segelmen, a professional sculptor who has produced over 90 works for celebrities from the world of sport, politics and entertainment. The sculpting took place in front of a live audience in central London.

Speaking on the night before he saw the finished piece, writer and producer Lord Fellowes, who lives at West Stafford, said: “I like Frances’ work very much and I feel very flattered to have been asked to sit for her.

“I am, of course, curious to see what she makes of my bonce… I am not foolish enough to think that I am a thing of beauty so I don’t think there are any harsh surprises in store but I shall be curious about the overall effect it gives off – will it be one of power or misery or fearfulness? You do get a notion coming out of sculptures that way.

“I’m very impressed by the speed of [Frances’] work, that she can get it all done in one night. I didn’t realise that one of her things was to work very fast.”

Later, he described the sculpture as ‘very good’.

The sixth and final series of Downton Abbey can currently be seen on Sundays on ITV.

It has been revealed that Lord Fellowes’ musical adaptation of The Wind in the Willows will receive its world premiere in Plymouth next year ahead of a tour.

The sculpture event was the brainchild of Ms Segelmen, who explained why the Stroke Association is an important cause.

“We’re hoping to spread the word and save people’s lives; let people know how to avoid having a stroke and to raise awareness about what to do if people have one. It’s an amazing charity and we’re doing what we can. Every single family will know friends who have had strokes, and if people know the signs it can save people’s lives.”

On sculpting Lord Fellowes, she said: “I did look at Fellowes beforehand and thought ‘there is so much there, he’s got real character’. All faces are fantastic to sculpt, but to do the man who wrote Downton Abbey is special.”

For more information about the charity visit stroke.org.uk