British Pop Artist Paolozzi Dies

Influential British pop artist SIR EDUARDO PAOLOZZI has died aged 81.

The influential sculptor, regarded as the founder of the British pop art movement, passed away on Friday (22APR05) morning after being confined to a wheelchair for the past four years following a serious illness which left him brain damaged.

Paolozzi's most famous works include a series of mosaics on the walls of London's Tottenham Court Road tube station and a statue of SIR ISSAC NEWTON in the piazza of the British Library.

His last public appearance was at a retrospective exhibition of his work in Hoxton, London.

A gallery spokesman says, "He enjoyed the show immensely. Of course he was unwell, but he was in good spirits."

He leaves three daughters, including Emma, who nursed him throughout his illness.