Contemporary memorial proposed for new Walworth Square space

10 November 2017

A new memorial to the lives changed and lost through war has been proposed to go in a new public square as part of the regeneration of Elephant and Castle.

Artist Kenny Hunter has been commissioned by Southwark Council to create the new Southwark Memorial, which will be sited in the new Walworth Square off Wansey Street – part of the Elephant Park development by Lendlease.

The bronze sculpture will include a cast of a fallen tree trunk, to represent the lives lost by war, complete with the figure of a youth standing on the trunk and looking to the future.

Kenny Hunter said: “"This proposal is largely structured around two coexisting dualities. The first sets in opposition the trauma of war to the idealism of childhood innocence expressed through the fallen tree and the figure of the youth. The second is between this horizontal bronze tree and the living trees that surround it. One is memorialised, while the others continue to grow and change."

A planning application for the memorial is due to be submitted shortly to Southwark Council’s planning team following a process of community engagement and design development. The project has been put together by a steering group that included local community representatives, the Imperial War Museum, the Royal British Legion, Inspire, Artists Studio Company, an independent curator and the Contemporary Arts Society.

Local councillors, the Leader of the Council and Lendlease have also been involved.

Cllr Peter John, said: “This has been a labour of love for many members of the council and the local community and we are very excited to see Kenny Hunter’s beautiful vision come to life. The memorial is both a reminder of both the tragedies of war, of all wars and conflicts, and that hope and the human spirit continue, and will be a focal point for the local community to come and pay their respects to lives lost and changed forever.”

Page last updated: 10 November 2017

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