
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'!