Generations sculpture restored

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We are delighted to have unveiled another wonderful piece of London’s post-war public art

 ‘Generations’ by sculptor Geoffrey Harris (1963) has returned to Camden’s Maitland Park Estate.

The sculpture was commissioned by the London County Council as part of its 'Patronage of the Arts' scheme (1956 - 1964), an initiative to bring communities together after the trauma of the Second World War. 

Designed to sit at the entrance of the newly created estate, ‘Generations’ depicts four abstract figures representing family unity and opportunity across different stages of life. The work reflected the LCC’s aim of creating places where residents of all ages could live, connect and thrive.

The sculpture had been in poor repair with holes, graffiti and no information about the artist or the commission. Restoration work was by Taylor Pearce Conservation and we have included a new interpretation panel telling the story of the sculpture and its artist.

Local resident Beth Shaw, who had lived in on the estate since 1978, said: “It was looking in a bit of trouble for a while, and last year they took it away leaving just a concrete plinth. I was delighted to hear it was being restored back to how I remember it all those years ago.”

The project has also reunited the artwork with Harris’s family. His son Chris Harris saw the sculpture for the first time this year: “To see what it means to local people is amazing! … Geoffrey would have been so proud to see his work hadn't been lost or forgotten and I'm very grateful it still has relevance today.”

Local school children were involved in the restoration work as part of the Proud Places programme.

A special thanks to Imago Interiors who generously supported this project and also spent time with the local community during works, and to Camden Council for their support.

HOLT has now restored six LCC ‘Patronage of the Arts scheme’ projects and has another six on the way!

See more in the press here.