We were absolutely thrilled yesterday to unveil the restored Leaning Woman after fantastic efforts from so many over the last six years. Our Patron HRH The Duke of Gloucester helped by two local schoolchildren revealed the completed work, in front of a huge crowd of locals – and plenty of tooting horns on the A4!
The Duke gave a speech about the importance of public art and Alex Cardew, the son of the model for the statue, spoke about his mother leaning on an upturned broom while modelling for the artist, Dr Karel Vogel. School children read poems and talked about their experience of the project.
A big thank you to all who have supported us – Hammersmith & Fulham Council, the St Peter’s Residents’ Association and many local crowdfunders. Our grant was supported through the generosity of CMS law firm.
Grace Mensah, aged 11, said “I feel really proud of us because we went door-to-door, knocking on them with leaflets to ask if they want to donate and I think people did donate to help us bring this Leaning Woman back stronger. Before it was with a lot of poles around it and scaffolding under a tarp but today it’s made and ready.”
Carved concrete sculptures made by pupils from Westside Alternative Provision School were also on display, as part of our Proud Places programme.
The conservation work was by Sally Strachey Conservation and the Council will be completing the landscaping in coming months.
Cllr Sharon Holder, H&F Cabinet Member for Public Realm, said:
“We’re hugely grateful to the Heritage of London Trust, the St Peter’s Residents Association and all the local residents who helped us fund The Leaning Woman’s restoration for future generations to enjoy. The sculpture has always been a local landmark in Hammersmith and it’s fantastic to see it looking great again.”
Joanna Edmunds, Chair of St Peter’s Residents Association, said:
“We’re proud to have this important landmark on our doorstep and for others to discover her story. It’s wonderful that the Leaning Woman’s future is now secured.”
Feedback has been wonderful, including:
“Public art gives you a sense of pride in the area and this area has been cleaned up now because of the restoration work and it just looks nicer and I think the nicer it looks, the more care people take of the area.” – local resident
“It’s always great to have some sort of history, something to read about the local area you have been in and gives people a sense about the local people who live there, if you’re not from here like me it’s nice to see and if you are local it’s something to be proud of. “ – Lauren
“Oh my gosh, this is my lady, did you know that I pass through this place every morning and I just embrace it, I really call her my lady, when I’m feeling down or depressed, I just really come and have a moment to just speak to her and it’s been helpful.” – Anonymous, local resident
Read more about the project in the Evening Standard and local press here: https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/hammersmith-art-saved-campaign-restore-a4-leaning-woman-b1171281.html
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