The caryatids were sculpted in 1897 by Henry Poole and stood either side of the doorway to Rotherhithe Town Hall on Neptune Street, a grand Victorian civic building later converted into a library in 1905.

 

They wear classical robes and distinctive oak and laurel garlands. The ships prows they balance on their heads symbolise Rotherhithe’s maritime heritage.

 

During the Second World War the building was bombed six times, leaving it badly damaged. The caryatids were rescued and in 1974 found a new home on the brutalist Heygate Estate off New Kent Road.

 

When that estate was demolished in 2011, the statues were moved again to Southwark Park, after a campaign led by local resident Gary Magold.

 

We have engaged over 170 young people in this project as part of our Proud Places programme.

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Restoration included excavation around the base of the sculptures and replacement with stone pebbles or granite chippings to aid water run-off and soakage. The statues' missing and damaged features to the face, head and arms were modelled in wax before being repaired with new stone sections. Joints were repointed. The greenery has been cut back to reveal and also protect the sculptures.

 

This project is generously supported by Knight Frank.

 

Read more about the unveiling on our news page