Gaze upon La Délivrance. This isn’t just a statue. It’s a story etched in bronze. A story of victory and deliverance. It stands here at Henly’s Corner a testament to a pivotal moment in history.
La Délivrance a magnificent bronze sculpture celebrates the First Battle of the Marne. This battle in 1914 halted the German advance on Paris. The sculptor Émile Oscar Guillaume created this powerful work originally titled La Victoire. The statue depicts a nude female figure. She stands on tiptoe holding a sword aloft. Her face is raised towards the heavens a symbol of hope and triumph.
Lord Rothermere a newspaper magnate purchased La Délivrance after it won a medal at the Paris Salon. He presented it to Finchley. He insisted on its placement at this specific location. He wanted to see it while visiting his mother in Totteridge. The unveiling in 1927 drew a crowd of approximately 8000 people. David Lloyd George the former Prime Minister presided over the ceremony.
Over the years La Délivrance has acquired several nicknames. Locals affectionately called it Dirty Gertie Gangrene Gertie and most popularly The Naked Lady. These names reflect the statue’s history and its changing appearance over time. Corrosion eventually necessitated restoration work in 1938. The statue received Grade II listed building status in 1983 and was upgraded to Grade II* in 2016. An information panel now stands before it providing context and historical detail.
La Délivrance is more than just a piece of art. It’s a symbol of resilience. It commemorates an Allied victory. It’s a unique example of a French war memorial in England. It embodies the hope and deliverance felt after the First Battle of the Marne. It’s a powerful reminder of a crucial moment in history. A moment that shaped the future of Europe. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty its history and the powerful message it conveys. A message of hope perseverance and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.