Guardian Prize 25,526 :18a & 20d

[maurice]

Without revealing too much,can anyone explain how the phrases/words "statue" & "don't come in yet" are relevant?

[Zhukov]

need a bit more...what are the clues?..

[venator]

18 In the centre, order to repair a model of the statue that came to dinner (12)

20 Optimistic — don't come in yet! (6)

[maurice]

18a:"In the centre,order to repair a model of the statue that came to dinner."12 letters.(I am now assuming the name of a specific centre in Wales is meant;what still puzzles me is the "statue" bit!
20d:"Optimistic:don't come in yet!" 6 letters. -- I now think the answer is a reference to music conducting!

[maurice]

...or is it the Aquino thing in Manila with 18? Have just googled that, but seems unlikely. Otherwise the Greek word ....phae? I'm lost!

[boxtops]

Maurice, you need to tell us more about 18 and the Greek word - we don't all have the Guardian in front of us.

[Zhukov]

is this set by Araucaria..is there a preamble..a theme given?

[greencj01]

Struggling to get started......

13a Painters etc in suitable accommodation (9)
14a Celebratory explosive devices pit in sack - barmy (12)

Thanks for any help received!

[Zhukov]

Firecrackers

[AHearer]

For 18a, check the plot of Don Giovanni.

[boxtops]

14 Firecrackers?

[maurice]

The part I'm not sure about is "cory" (surrounding the rest).
@ Zhukov: yes, it's our old friend A.;no, there is no preamble/central theme as far as I've noticed at least!Straightforwaerd by comparison!

[boxtops]

I'm lost, do you have any of the letters already?

[Zhukov]

18 Commendatore?

[Zhukov]

^^yes

[bibblebub]

13a) AP artmen T

[maurice]

I had the last letter of 18 wrong:many thanks to "A Hearer" --- opera is not my forte, I'm afraid!
Back to 13a:find 2 short words for painters (3,3),then surround them with another 3-letter word for suitable, & the whole is a well-known form of accommodation!
Many thanks for all your assistance: mustn't reveal too much of the rest directly (or don't we have that rule at this stage of the day on this forum?)

[Zhukov]

bibblebub got that one

[Farrnorth]

20d upbeat

[Chandamama]

18 Across
Put 4-letter word for centre CORE around {2-letter word for Order + 4-letter word for repair + A + one letter for model}
The result: the official title awarded by decree of the President of Italy to individuals who are given this honour in the Italian Order

[Lavender77]

"Not completely happy - learner being pushed to the back" - the answer is a mathematician
_E-S-L