A survivor of breast cancer has been reunited with her sculpture, which was originally revealed at Brixton station in London 35 years ago. Joy Battick, who was 26 years old at the time, is featured in what is believed to be one of the earliest depictions of black individuals in England.
Artist Kevin Atherton, after locating Joy many years later, sculpted a new life-size bronze figure of her at 62 years old. The unveiling took place at Brixton station following Southeastern railway’s decision to restore the three original statues. Joy’s statue now proudly stands across from the original, with all four statues representing the true essence of Brixton residents.
Describing the event as emotional and overwhelming, Joy expressed gratitude for the achievement. She highlighted the changes in Brixton over the years and emphasized the importance of acknowledging the continued presence of its people.
The sculptures, known as Platforms Piece, were part of a £1m improvement project by British Rail in the 1980s. Joy, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to share her story through the statue. Artist Kevin Atherton described the process of reconnecting with Joy as a heartfelt journey.
The statues, including Joy II, were displayed to the public at the station, creating a sense of continuity in the artwork named Platforms Piece – The Return. Joy has become a symbol of Brixton’s identity, reflecting the passage of time and the community’s heritage.
Joy hopes that the statues will hold significance for the people of Brixton and serve as a tribute to the area’s history. The sculptures, depicting individuals with ties to Brixton, aim to represent the local community and the essence of the neighborhood.
Brixton station, managed by Southeastern railway, now houses the statues, each weighing approximately 200kg. Joy, having lived through significant events in Brixton’s history, cherishes the opportunity to be part of the project and share her experiences with future generations.