Internationally acclaimed sculptor Tolleck Winner is gearing up to launch his own museum — on 100 acres of land within Greater London. But it all could have been so different for the Russian-born artist.

Twelve years ago, Mr Winner, now 49, was severely injured in a car crash and subsequently endured three-and-a-half years of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

He tells People: “Before the accident I was running my own property firm but it had always been my ambition to be a sculptor. The accident made me realise that something had to change. There was no point feeling sorry for myself. I had to get on with my life, so I started sculpting while I was recovering.”

Self-taught, Mr Winner has since created more than 100 pieces, which he stores in his Essex-based studio. But he is now planning to launch the Tolleck Winner Foundation in time for the Olympics. “When I get the funding I am sure the local authorities will only be too happy to create a museum for the community and regeneration of the area. It will be for established and emerging artists,” he said.

“There will be a sculpture academy within the museum. Entry would be free and fully funded by the art I will be creating. I want to share my talent with the world and hopefully to make our world a better world through art.”

Mr Winner has recently been exhibiting his work at the ArtParkS International Sculpture Festival in Guernsey, and at Chichester Cathedral. A number of his larger works also feature in public displays in the UK, such as the large steel sculpture People, which stands alongside works by Antony Gormley and Sir Anthony Caro in the Peterborough Sculpture Park.

Mr Winner, who has spent some time living in Israel, now lives in Essex.