A survivor of breast cancer has been reunited with her statue that was originally revealed at Brixton station in London 35 years ago. Joy Battick, who was 26 when the statue was first unveiled, is featured in what is believed to be one of the earliest artworks of black individuals in England.
Artist Kevin Atherton, after locating Joy decades later, crafted a new life-size bronze figure of her at the age of 62. This figure was unveiled at Brixton station on Wednesday, following Southeastern railway’s decision to restore the original three statues. The statue of the former South London resident now proudly stands opposite the original one.
The four statues, including Joy’s, now stand together once more, symbolizing the authentic representation of Brixton’s residents. Joy expressed her humility regarding the achievement, emphasizing the emotional significance of the event and the changes that Brixton has undergone over the years.
The statue project, known as Platforms Piece, was initiated by British Rail in the 1980s as part of an improvement scheme. The statues, depicting three Brixton residents, were recently restored after being removed in 2016 due to weathering and safety concerns.
Joy, who battled cancer in 2018, shared her gratitude for being contacted by Kevin to update her statue. She highlighted the importance of appreciating life’s uncertainties and the value of personal experiences.
Artist Kevin Atherton, reflecting on the reunion with Joy, described the emotional journey of reconnecting after many years. Joy’s figure, known as Joy II, was publicly displayed at the station alongside local officials, symbolizing a continuation of the artwork called Platforms Piece – The Return.
Kevin aimed to capture the essence of Brixton’s cultural identity through the statues, including Joy, who has become a symbolic figure in the community. Joy expressed her hope that the statues would hold significance for the people of Brixton and serve as a reminder of the area’s history.
The statues at Brixton station, representing the local residents, were meticulously created to symbolize the passage of time and the community’s essence. Joy, along with two other individuals, was chosen to be immortalized in bronze due to their ties to the area.
Although Joy no longer resides in Brixton, she fondly recalls her time there and hopes to return to her roots. Her involvement in the statue project, initially meant for a break from work, turned into a cherished opportunity that she is grateful for.
The original statues were crafted by hand using body casts, while the updated statue of Joy incorporated advanced techniques like 3D scanning and printing. These hollow statues, each weighing around 200kg, now adorn Brixton station, adding a touch of heritage and cultural representation to the area.