Platforms Piece facts for kids
Platforms Piece is a set of three bronze statues found at Brixton railway station in London. These sculptures show everyday people waiting for a train. The famous British artist Kevin Atherton created them in 1986. They are a special part of the station and tell a story about the people of Brixton.
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About the Artworks
The Platforms Piece includes three life-sized statues. They are made from bronze, a strong metal. The statues show people who look like they are waiting for a train. One figure is a man reading a newspaper. Another is a woman with a shopping bag. The third is a woman holding a child's hand. These sculptures help make the station feel more welcoming. They also show the diverse community of Brixton.
Why Were They Made?
In 1985, a group called the Public Art Development Trust had an idea. They suggested to British Rail that they should add art to Brixton station. This was part of a bigger plan to improve the station. The whole project cost about £1 million. It was a team effort by the London Borough of Lambeth, British Rail, and the Department of the Environment. They wanted to make the station better for everyone.
Choosing the Models
Kevin Atherton, the artist, wanted his statues to look like real people from Brixton. He chose three models who lived in or had strong ties to the area. Their names were Peter Lloyd, Joy Battick, and Karin Heistermann. By using real people, Atherton made the sculptures feel more connected to the community.
How They Were Created
The bronze statues were made using an old method called lost-wax casting. First, Atherton made plaster molds of his models. He did this in a disused ticket office at the station. This office became his temporary art studio. After making the molds, he used them to create the bronze figures. This process is very detailed and takes a lot of skill.
Unveiling and Awards
The sculptures were officially shown to the public on June 30, 1986. Sir Hugh Casson, a well-known architect, unveiled them. He had also helped choose Atherton for the project. After they were finished, Platforms Piece won an important award. It received the Association of Business Sponsorship of the Arts Industry Year award in 1986. This was for being the best art commission that year.
Special Recognition
In November 2016, Platforms Piece received a special honor. Historic England gave it "listed status." This means the sculptures are protected because they are important. They are now considered a Grade II listed building or structure. This status helps make sure they are preserved for the future.
Two of the figures are also very important for another reason. They are thought to be the first public statues in the UK that show black British people. This makes Platforms Piece a significant artwork for its artistic value and its representation of diversity.
