What will Kate Middleton Really Wear at the Royal Wedding? One Woman can't afford To Guess

Because her task is to create a unique sculpture depicting the Royal bride in her wedding outfit, including a true likeness of her hair, jewellery and flowers, either highlighted in platinum or 22-carat gold depending on Kate's choices on the day.

Carolyn Morton however is up for the challenge; her career in sculpture began in 1995 when she picked up a bag of clay to, in her words, see if she could sculpt. The piece was produced the same year by Royal Worcester and was followed by commissions from the great porcelain houses, Wedgwood, Coalport and Royal Doulton for both figurative and animalier pieces.

The Kate piece will be produced by Royal Staffordshire and will be limited to a run of 4,950, each of the figurines will be hand numbered, produced in Stoke-On-Trent and supplied with a certificate of authenticity.

The Catherine: The Royal Bride figurine has been commissioned by Compton & Woodhouse as part of their series of Royal Brides, work starts on the 29th April when the world at large will see Kate for the first time, we asked Carolyn what she thought of the challenge ahead.

This figurine represents a unique challenge because no one knows what Kate will be wearing; are you feeling the pressure?

CM: I'm really up for the challenge. I love fashion and I'm sure Kate's dress will be amazing, so I'm just focusing on doing both the Kate Middleton figurine and the wedding dress justice.

You've sculpted models of a number of people. How does Kate compare?

CM: I can definitely say Kate is the prettiest so far!

Sculpture is one of our oldest methods for creating lasting art: what about it appeals to you?

CM: So many things. I love three dimensional art. I love that you can and should handle, touch, feel and walk all round it. That especially applies to bronze, which is my usual medium. I love that something I have made will be here and treasured, hopefully kept and passed down through a family long after I've departed this life!

What is it that you try to capture when you create a sculpture of a person?

CM: Portrait work is just incomparable with any other; it is about the character, the hopes and dreams of the subject, the little nuances of expression fleetingly seen, that I hope to capture. It's about the soul, not just the visual element. I have made several sculptures where it has been a secret present or for some reason I can't have sittings with the person, so I've have had to rely on good visual reference, and the very important background character research. Having an insight into character is the difference between a likeness and a really good likeness and that applies whether I can have life sittings or not.

What is it about Miss Middleton that the figurines need to capture?

CM: Her inner beauty and personality as well as her obvious physical beauty and grace. I have been doing lots of background research into Kate as a person as that is so very important with a portrait piece.

Simply producing this Royal memorabilia is a challenge but Compton & Wodhouse are in no doubt that Carolyn's skill and flair will create a modern masterpiece that will take pride of place in any collection.

As well as being able to reserve a sort after low numbered issue of the figurine Compton & Woodhouse are offering any reader who reserves before the 31st May 2011 the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win a fantastic set of jewellery modelled on the engagement ring given to Kate by Prince William, The Princess Collection comprises a ring, necklace and earrings.

To reserve your figurine, click here>>