The idea
The Grade II listed ‘Leaning Woman’ is one of London's most important pieces of modernist sculpture.
Designed in 1958 by the Czech artist Karel Vogel, this semi-nude figure, nearly twice life size, appears to float, despite being cast in concrete around a metal armature.
The statue was part of a post-War programme to bring art to Londoners and to thank locals for the disruption caused by the Great West Road. She has been a much loved Hammersmith landmark for over 60 years.
But the concrete has cracked and the internal structure is now rusting. The project includes removing previous repairs, stopping corrosion, repairing cracks and applying a new watertight exterior coating.
Young people will be invited to come and meet the professional conservators at work, learn about Vogel and his life and have a go at their own 'Leaning Women'!
What we'll deliver
- Set up the site including a temporary access scaffold, roof cover, fencing and all relevant licenses and insurances
- Sample clean a test area and trial potential new surface finishes
- Clean & poultice statue and remove all previous repair material on cast seams
- Remove internal iron corrosion and treat with rust inhibitor
- Refill all cast joints and cracks, then apply approved surface coating
- Repoint brick plinth which the statue sits on
- Landscape the area around the statue and add new lighting (funds permitting)
- Install new information signage
Why it's a great idea
The statue will be saved from the Heritage at Risk Register and restored to her former glory for the enjoyment of the public & many future generations.
Sculptor Karel Vogel fled the Nazis in 1938, coming to England and teaching sculpture at several schools and colleges. His work featured prominently at the 1951 Festival of Britain and the Royal Academy summer exhibition.
This was one of 41 pieces of post-War public art in England given protection by Historic England on account of their national significance: "Part of a precious national collection of art which we can all share... They enrich our lives, bring art to everyone and deserve celebration."
This project will both protect our local heritage as well as improve the local surroundings for the benefit of the many passers by.
Steps to get it done
- Project and Site set up
- Testing and Sampling
- On site conservation
- Landscaping and signage (if funding permits)
- Community launch
Please support this major piece of public post-War art. You'll be helping protect a Grade II listed statue, removing it from the Heritage at Risk register and educating people through visits, a community launch and youth engagement programmes.
You'll also help the environment - the area surrounding the statue has become overgrown and unkempt. LBH&F have already cut back the planting to bring in more light, improving its appearance, and an application for Listed Building Consent has now been submitted. Further landscaping is planned, funds permitting, which will brighten what was a scruffy corner by the church and underpass. If funds permit, additional lighting will illuminate the statue so it can be enjoyed at night.
This project is a collaboration between The Heritage of London Trust, St Peter's Residents Association and The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
