The NSW Art Gallery, which had been displaying the giant sculpture of a naked man sitting on a chair,  put the call out to “crown one particularly bearded and rugged fellow to claim the title of Sydney’s Wild Man, an homage to Ron Mueck’s Wild man sculpture that has left Sydney awestruck”.

This prompted Barb to submit a photograph of Ed – without his knowledge – in the competition showing off his wonderful tresses and beard.

“I did think, what if he wins, I’ll be in trouble,” laughed Barb. “But for Ed to win was just wonderful.”

Ed said he was thrilled to win, adding this is the first time he has grown a beard, having become sick of shaving about two years ago.

“I've spent two years growing the beard,” he said.

“It’s amazing how many people look at me and smile as I look like the (bearded character in television series Vikings) Ragnar Lothbrok.

“I can’t go anywhere without people giving me that smile – more so men than women.”

What makes that comparison even more quirky is that Ed discovered through Ancestry about four years ago that he is a direct descendant of the Viking .

“I was pretty excited when I learned that.

“He’s my 44^th great-grandfather.”

A further twist in this arty story is that both Barb and Ed are renowned artists themselves, operating their gallery workshop called The Edge of Nature from Fosterton Road. They are kept busy with commission work 

Ed has been making sculptured wooden furniture for 30 years.

The competition prize included a Balvenie ‘Beard Experience Gift Package’ at The Barber Shop, at Barangaroo, Sydney  which includes a haircut, beard styling and a Balvenie cocktail.

“I think I’ll just go and sit in the chair and ask for a beard trim – and the cocktail,” he laughed.

A hardback book showcasing the Ron Mueck’s sculptures over 20 years of work was also a great edition to the couple’s bookshelf.

Dungog Chronicle