A survivor of breast cancer has been reconnected with a statue of herself that was originally unveiled at Brixton station in London 35 years ago. Joy Battick, who was 26 years old at the time, is depicted in what is believed to be among the earliest artworks of black individuals in England.
Artist Kevin Atherton, after locating Joy years later, created a new life-size bronze figure of her at the age of 62. This figure was presented at Brixton station on Wednesday alongside the decision by Southeastern railway to restore the three original statues. Joy’s statue now proudly stands across the platform from the original one.
All four statues are now on display once again, reflecting the true identity of Brixton residents. Joy expressed her humility and gratitude for the achievement, emphasizing the significance of representation and remembrance.
The statues, known as Platforms Piece and representing three Brixton locals, were part of a £1 million improvement project by British Rail in 1986. After removal for restoration in 2016, they have been reinstated at the station.
Having been diagnosed with cancer in 2018, Joy was approached by Kevin to redo her statue. She shared her emotional journey of recovery and gratitude for the opportunity to tell her story through the reimagined statue.
Kevin described the emotional journey of reconnecting with Joy and creating the new statue, named Joy II. The artwork, titled Platforms Piece – The Return, features all three original statues alongside Joy’s updated representation.
Joy hopes that her statue holds meaning for the people of Brixton and symbolizes progress and resilience. As a symbol of the community, she looks back on her experiences and the changes that have shaped her outlook over the years.
The artist aimed to capture the essence of Brixton’s cultural identity through the statues, representing individuals with ties to the area. Despite no longer residing in Brixton, Joy cherishes her connection to the community and looks forward to revisiting her roots.
Reflecting on the Brixton riots of 1981, a pivotal moment in history, Joy’s statue stands as a testament to resilience and the community’s enduring spirit. The statues are not only artistic representations but also historical markers of the diverse heritage of Brixton.
