Brixton railway station has unveiled a brand new sculpture by artist Kevin Atherton which saw former local resident Joy Battick pose once again at the age of 62 following the original piece which captured her likeness in bronze at the age of 26.
The two beautiful sculptures now face each other across the rails making a real connection between the passage of time and life, giving observers a really wonderful opportunity to consider the works meaning.
The new statue is known as ‘Joy II' but is entitled ‘Platforms Piece – The Return' and has been joined by three further listed statues known as ‘Platforms Piece' which were created during the 1980s were commissioned by British Rail following the Public Art Development Trust suggestion that art could be made using part of a £1m enhancements project. The sculptures are now owned by Southeastern.
2016 Saw Historic England award the stunning sculptures listed status as two of the pieces are believed to be the very first representation in a public art context of British black people in England.
Kevin Atherton positioned the three figures to highlight the passing of trains at the station whilst capturing a genuine representation of the people of Brixton. Kevin chose the models Joy Battick, Karin Heisterman and Peter Lloyd, based on their personal connection with Brixton
As the artworks had been out in the elements since 1986, Southeastern elected to restore the statues to their former glory and now alongside ‘Joy II' create ‘Platforms Piece – The Return'.
The unveiling saw Joy Battick reveal her new sculpture at a ceremony on the 25th of January with the Mayor of Lambeth Cllr Pauline George and Kevin Atherton also in attendance.
Joy, who had worked at Brixton Recreation Centre in 1986, said: “I don't think many people can claim to have a life-size statue of themselves so to have two in the same place is quite amazing!
“Back in the 80s, all the staff at the centre were asked if they wanted to take part in the art project and I just thought ‘why not?'. I felt like a mummy being wrapped in bandages but when I saw the end result standing on Brixton platform, I knew it had all been worth it.
“Meeting up with Kevin again to pose for the second statue felt far more relaxed. It was a much easier process as I was photographed by 460 cameras at exactly the same time – I felt like a superstar!”
The figures are actually hollow but despite this fact still way a huge 200kgs each. The original sculptures were casts were created using a body casting technique which uses plaster bandage whilst ‘Joy II' was created using a more up-to-date approach utilising 3D scanning and 3D printing. All of the sculptures were cast using the ancient ‘lost wax process' which was used right at the very start of bronze casting.
Kevin Atherton commented: “The original artwork became a much-loved Brixton landmark, welcoming passengers as they got on and off their train or when viewed from passing rail carriages. Historic England should be commended for recognising the piece as a celebration of the cultural identity of the area and I'm delighted the three original sculptures have been returned to their home.
“The methods we use to craft sculptures have changed significantly since the 80s; creating ‘Joy II' and reuniting with Joy after so many years was a wonderful experience.”
Peter Stapleton, Head of Facilities at Southeastern, added: “‘Platforms Piece' is so important to the local area and as the owners of this significant artwork, we're very pleased to have been able to restore and return the original sculptures to the platform. Having a new figure at the station will hopefully encourage a whole new generation to appreciate all the sculptures.”
‘Platforms Piece – The Return' was possible thanks to S3 artist Pedro Colaço, AB Fine Art Foundry, 3D scanning firm FBFX and 3D printers Hobs3D.
