The Bronze Woman is actually Black. This is the first statue of a black woman to be displayed publicly in England - and it was only unveiled last June.It was inspired by Cecile Nobrega, a writer born in Guyana in 1919, but who has lived and taught in Stockwell for 30 years. She wrote a poem celebrating the achievements of black women in Britain and began a campaign for a sculpture representing the black community - in particular the contributions of Carribean people to British society and of women everywhere (www.bronzewoman.org.uk/)
The monochrome statue stands in front of the colourful building in Stockwell Gardens, in the centre of the roundabout. I did a walkabout myself. She is a voluptous figure, holding high her baby - both gazing at one another. She has a powerful physique yet appears maternal and unthreatening in her pose.
Woman of Bronze!
Symbol of Slavery
Free
Strength
sweat and toil,
who can foil
your quest
for best
to give your child?
Symbol of Slavery
Free
Strength
sweat and toil,
who can foil
your quest
for best
to give your child?
~Cecile Nobrega, Bronze Woman, 1968.
