“Where is Barbara?” they asked in Leipzig. Today we are standing before the site where the Gießerstele St. Barbara once stood. This statue paid homage to Plagwitz’s rich history in the art of casting and machine construction. The statue stood in the western part of Stadtteilpark Plagwitz. It was near the entrance on Gießerstraße.
Imagine back in 2000, during the EXPO. The unveiling of the Gießerstele St. Barbara on May 24th marked a proud moment. The statue quickly became a local landmark.
The Gießerstele St. Barbara consisted of two parts. A narrow granite base stood 2.4 meters tall. A 1.4-meter bronze figure of St. Barbara topped the base. St. Barbara is known as the patron saint of miners and metalworkers. This statue was a recast by Kunstgießerei Lauchhammer. The original statue was designed by Heinrich Moshage. It was originally made for the Bergbauhaus Senftenberg.
But sometime between November 20th and 25th, tragedy struck. Thieves stole the almost 100-kilogram bronze statue. They likely used a vehicle and lifting equipment to remove it. The crime left the community shocked and saddened.
Kai Thalmann, Geschäftsführer of Leipziger Gewerbehof GmbH, expressed his dismay. He found it unbelievable that someone would steal a monument. A monument meant to honor local history.
The police investigation faced challenges from the start. A police spokesperson noted that weather conditions made it hard to find evidence. The theft reminded locals of similar incidents in Clara-Zetkin-Park. There, thieves stole the “Swan” and “Pelikan” statues in July 2023. Fearing further losses, the city removed the “Bear on Ball” statue as a precaution.
The Gewerbehof GmbH is considering replacing the St. Barbara statue. They are thinking about using a less valuable material than bronze. The aim is to preserve the statue’s appearance and meaning.
The police are asking anyone with information to come forward. The statue stood at the park’s entrance on Gießerstraße. Photos of the statue can be found on leipzig-lexikon.de. The theft caused damages in the upper five-figure range.
The story of the missing St. Barbara statue serves as a stark reminder. It highlights the importance of vigilance and community. The statue’s absence is a loss. But the spirit of remembrance and the legacy of Plagwitz’s industrial past endure. The statue of St. Barbara represents the area’s cultural identity.