A survivor of breast cancer has been reunited with her statue that was originally revealed at Brixton station in London 35 years ago. Joy Battick, depicted in one of the earliest artworks featuring black individuals in England, was located by artist Kevin Atherton after many years. He crafted a new life-size bronze figure of her, now aged 62, which was unveiled at Brixton station as part of Southeastern railway’s restoration of the three original statues.
The statue of the former South London resident now proudly stands opposite the original on the platform. With all four statues restored, they symbolize the true essence of Brixton’s community. Joy expressed her humility at the event, reflecting on how people’s reactions have evolved over time and acknowledging the changes in Brixton while emphasizing the importance of preserving its identity.
The statues, collectively known as Platforms Piece, were initially installed in 1986 as part of a railway improvement initiative. They were recently refurbished after being removed in 2016 due to weathering. Joy, who battled cancer in 2018, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have her statue recreated by Kevin. She highlighted the importance of cherishing health and life experiences, emphasizing the significance of storytelling and representation.
Artist Kevin Atherton shared the emotional journey of reconnecting with Joy after years apart. The unveiling of Joy II, alongside the other two original statues, marked a significant moment in Brixton’s artistic history. Kevin emphasized Joy’s symbolic role in representing the community and the passage of time through the artwork. Joy hopes that the statues will resonate with the people of Brixton, reflecting on her personal growth and the community’s resilience.
The project aimed to capture the essence of Brixton’s cultural identity through the bronze figures of Peter Lloyd, Karin Heisterman, and Joy Battick. While Joy no longer resides in Brixton, her ties to the area remain strong, and she looks forward to revisiting her roots. Reflecting on the historical significance of the Brixton riots and her involvement in the statue project, Joy expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the enduring impact of the artwork.
The statues, each weighing approximately 200kg, stand as a tribute to the community and its history at Brixton station, under the ownership of Southeastern railway.