This Refugee Week, we're celebrating the work of refugee artist Karel Vogel, and his ability to inspire today's young refugees.
Refugee Week is the world's largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees.
Last year, Heritage of London Trust restored Karel Vogel's Leaning Woman statue in Hammersmith. A beautiful piece of public art, Leaning Woman was commissioned by the London County Council in 1958. Artist Karel Vogel had arrived in Britain from Prague in 1938, escaping Nazism.
As part of the award-winning restoration, young refugees have taken part in Proud Places youth engagement projects, learning more about the artist, the sculpture and the importance of public art and the heritage of Hammersmith.
Of all the young people engaged in Proud Places projects, 15% are refugees.

'I found it interesting that the sculptor came to London from Czechoslovakia because World War II started and it wasn’t safe. But now he’s become part of this history and culture,' said Lysander, age 18.
'I really liked visiting the Leaning Woman and learning about Karel Vogel. I found his story really inspiring,' added Assan, age 16.
As well as being inspired by the artwork and learning about the site's history, the students benefitted from engaging in related art projects, including working with clay and testing their skills at stonemasonry. Importantly, the workshops were accessible to everyone who took part, irrespective of language differences.

'People like us who come from other countries know the historical sites in our countries, but it's good to see what's here in the UK so we can learn about different traditions and civilizations,' said Vicky, age 18.
'This art is meaningful to me, because it was made by a refugee,' added Hasti, age 18.

This Refugee Week, we're thrilled that thanks to HOLT's restoration work and Proud Places, Karel Vogel's exquisite artwork can continue to inspire young refugees.