List of public art in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham facts for kids

Public art is like an open-air museum! It's art you can see for free in public places like parks, streets, and town squares. This article will tell you about some cool sculptures, statues, and memorials you can find in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. These artworks make the area more interesting and often tell important stories.

Public Art in Barking

Barking is home to several unique pieces of public art. Each one adds something special to the town's look and feel.

Barking War Memorial

The Barking War Memorial in Barking Park.

This memorial stands in Barking Park. It was built in 1922 to remember the brave people from Barking who lost their lives in wars. It was designed by Charles James Dawson. War memorials are important places where communities can pay their respects and remember history.

The Catch

The sculpture The Catch at Fanshawe Avenue Roundabout.

You can find The Catch at the Fanshawe Avenue Roundabout. This sculpture was created in 2002 by artist Loraine Leeson. It's an interesting piece that adds a modern touch to the area.

Folly Wall

The Folly Wall in Barking Town Square.

The Folly Wall is located in Barking Town Square. It was built in 2007. A "folly" is a building or structure that is built mostly for decoration, often looking like an old ruin or a strange building. This one adds a playful touch to the town square.

The Lighted Lady of Barking

The Lighted Lady of Barking sculpture.

This unique sculpture is on the roundabout where Abbey Road and London Road meet. Created in 2007 by Joost van Santen, The Lighted Lady of Barking is an eye-catching artwork that lights up the area.

Statue of Job Henry Charles Drain VC

The statue of Job Drain outside the Broadway Theatre.

Outside the Broadway Theatre, facing Barking Abbey Park, stands a statue of Job Henry Charles Drain. This statue was made in 2009 by Steven Hunter. Job Drain was a local hero who received the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest award for bravery in the British military. The statue reminds everyone of his courage.

London Bridge Stones

In 2007, two small stones from the old medieval London Bridge were turned into a sculpture. This artwork is in front of St Margaret's Church, facing the Barking Abbey ruins. Artist Joost van Santen included these stones as part of several public artworks placed around Barking Town Centre. It's a cool way to bring a piece of London's history to Barking.

Public Art in Dagenham

Dagenham also has its own collection of public art, reflecting its history and community.

Dagenham Village War Memorial

The Dagenham Village War Memorial.

This war memorial is at the junction of Church Lane and Crown Street. It was put in place in 2000. Like the one in Barking, it's a cross-shaped memorial that helps the community remember those who served and sacrificed.

Dagenham Idol

The Dagenham Idol is a sculpture found in Valence Park. It was created around 2009. This sculpture is a smaller version of a much older, prehistoric wooden figure found in Dagenham. It connects the present day to the ancient past of the area.

Capri MkI

The Capri MkI sculpture outside Valence House Museum.

Also in Valence Park, near Valence House Museum, is the Capri MkI sculpture. Made between 2010 and 2011 by A. J. Baldwin, this iron sculpture looks like a classic Ford Capri car. It was made as part of the museum's updates and reminds everyone of the famous Ford Dagenham factory, which was a very important part of Dagenham's history.