London’s newest war memorial was unveiled in a moving ceremony in Walworth Square this week.
Designed by Scottish artist Kenny Hunter, the bronze artwork is named I’ll hold my human barrier, after a World War Two poem by Hamish Henderson.
It depicts an anonymous youth standing on a giant, fallen ash tree, and is inscribed with a line from the poem: ‘Against the armour of the storm I’ll hold my human barrier’.
At the public event, choirs from Boucher Primary School and St John’s Primary School sang, with two children helping Southwark’s Mayor, Councillor Catherine Rose placed a wreath in remembrance. Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP, Neil Coyle, was also in attendance.
The piece was installed to mark the armistice centenary, but also to commemorate all affected by war and conflict across the world – including members of the armed forces, civilians, refugees and many others.
It was commissioned by Southwark Council with support from Lendlease and the Contemporary Arts Society.
The unveiling now brings to a close a series of events marking the 100 year anniversary since the end of the First World War across Southwark.