Three figures stand proudly. They are bronze dockers. This is the Landed statue. It’s located outside the ExCeL Exhibition Centre. It commemorates the hard work of London’s dockworkers. From 1855 to 1983 these men toiled tirelessly. Their legacy lives on in this powerful sculpture.
The Landed statue isn’t just a pretty face. It tells a story of dedication and community. It took over a decade of fundraising. £250000 was raised to create it. The Royal Docks Trust donated a significant portion. The Queen Mother also contributed. Even the ExCeL centre lent its support. The Landed statue is truly a community project.
The faces of the three dockers are based on real people. Johnny Ringwood was a former seaman. He played a key role in fundraising. Patrick Holland was a stevedore. He’s depicted as a tally clerk in the sculpture. Mark Tibbs was a boxer from Canning Town. These are not anonymous figures. They are individuals. Their stories are woven into the fabric of the Landed statue.
The artist Les Johnson sculpted these men. He’s known for his military themed works. The Landed statue however focuses on a different type of heroism. It shows the grit and determination of London’s working class. This isn’t a glamorous image. It’s a realistic portrayal of hard work.
On August 24 2009 the Landed statue was unveiled. Many former dockers attended. A special ceremony took place. The Rev Canon Ann Easter blessed the statue. It was a poignant moment. A tribute to a community’s dedication. The Landed statue continues to stand. It serves as a reminder of London’s rich industrial heritage. A symbol of the workers who built the city. It is a powerful and moving testament to their legacy.