Did the Queen Mother ever imagine her generosity would immortalize dockworkers? Here at the Dockhands Sculpture, we see the fruits of her contribution. This nine-foot bronze monument, one of London’s largest figurative sculptures, stands as a powerful tribute to the men and women of the Royal Docks. The Dockhands Sculpture captures a moment in time, depicting dockers transferring goods from a hoist to a sack barrow. The year is 2009. The sculpture, by Les Johnson of the Bronze Age Foundry, is finally unveiled after a decade of fundraising.
The Dockhands Sculpture isn’t just a generic representation of workers. These figures are real people. John Ringwood, the man who initially envisioned this tribute, is immortalized pushing the barrow. Patrick Holland, the tally clerk, stands watch. Mark Tibbs kneels, ready for the next load. Look closely at the packing cases. You’ll see names like “Johnny Ringwood,” “Pat Holland,” and destinations like “Kuala Lumpur” and “Hong Kong.” Even the sacks are labelled “Waterloo, Trinidad,” connecting this place to a global network of trade.
This sculpture is a testament to the community that thrived here in the Royal Docks from 1855 to 1983. It’s a story initiated by John Ringwood, inspired by a similar tribute to steelworkers in Sheffield. He and Patricia Holland, whose father and husband were stevedores, championed this project for ten years. They raised over £250,000, garnering support from the Royal Docks Trust and even the Queen Mother. This sculpture is more than bronze and stone. It’s a symbol of hard work, community spirit, and the enduring legacy of the Royal Docks. It is a reminder of a time when these docks were bustling with activity, a vital hub in London’s global trade network. The Dockhands Sculpture invites us to reflect on the lives and labors of those who built this city, brick by brick, crate by crate.