Following the Leader Sculpture

Amidst the bustling cityscape, stands a poignant tribute, the Following the Leader sculpture. The Following the Leader, more formally known as the Memorial to the Children Killed in the Blitz, isn’t your typical war memorial. This touching artwork, gracing the stair tower of Darley House on the Vauxhall Gardens Estate, captures a moment of childhood innocence. The Following the Leader sculpture, crafted in 1949 by Peter Laszlo Peri, depicts a chain of six children joyfully descending the wall, hands clasped together as if in a game of “Follow the Leader”. It’s a snapshot of life, a reminder of the simple joys tragically cut short during the Blitz. Peri, a Hungarian-Jewish émigré, was commissioned by the London County Council to create this piece. This wasn’t just a memorial; it was a symbol of civic renewal, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The Following the Leader is crafted from a unique blend of colored concrete known as “Pericrete,” a mixture of concrete, polyester resin, and metallic powders. This innovative technique gives the sculpture a warm, ochre hue, contrasting beautifully with the brickwork of Darley House. Originally, dark pointing framed the artwork, making it pop against the yellow stock bricks. Sadly, this detail has been lost to time, replaced with standard mortar. Yet, the Following the Leader continues to resonate, a vibrant echo of childhood amidst the urban landscape. It stands as a symbol of hope and remembrance, a tribute to the children lost and the enduring power of community.