A new plaque has been unveiled at Brixton station on World Day for Cultural Diversity.

The plaque marks the restoration of some of the earliest sculpture representations of black British people in the UK.

Kevin Atherton, a local artist, created the three sculptures known as ‘Platforms Piece,’ which were placed on the station in 1986.

He wanted the pieces to represent real people of Brixton and chose models with whom he had personal connections: Joy Battick, Peter Lloyd, and Karin Heistermann.

Back in 2016, the statues were given a listed status by Historic England due to their significance. They were then restored in 2023, with a new sculpture of ‘Joy’ and placed back on the platforms.

The South East Alliance (Southeastern and Network Rail), who were funded by the Railway Heritage Trust, helped to restore the statues.

On the 21st of May, the Mayor of Lambeth, Cllr Adrian Garden and the Trust Chairman, Andy Savage, were at the station to unveil the plaque which marked the work.

Kevin, Joy and Karin also attended the unveiling, along with representatives from The South East Alliance and the Railway Heritage Trust.

“Platforms Piece is essentially about waiting and the idea that three people in 1986 would become united in this way while waiting for a train is remarkable. I’m very proud that the sculptures mean something to the local community and it was an absolute pleasure to be able to celebrate this unique piece of railway heritage again today with Joy and Karin.”

Kevin Atherton