Sculpture: International Brigade
Erection date: 5/10/1985
{On the front of the plinth:}
International Brigade
In honour of over 2100 men & women volunteers who left these shores to fight side by side with the Spanish people in their heroic struggle against fascism, 1936 - 1939. Many were wounded and maimed. 526 were killed. Their example inspired the world.
{On the back of the plinth:}
This memorial, unveiled by Michael Foot 5th October 1985, was made possible by the support of many democratic organisations, individuals and the Greater London Council.
{and low down:}
Sculptor - Ian Walters
{On the right side of the plinth:}
‘They went because their open eyes could see no other way'
{On the left side of the plinth:}
‘Yet freedom! Yet thy banner, torn, but flying, streams like the thunder-storm against the wind'
The quote “they went….other way” is a paraphrase of two lines from C. Day Lewis’s 1938 poem, The Volunteer. “Yet, Freedom… against the wind” comes from Byron’s 1812 Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage.
Site: International Brigade (1 memorial)
SE1, Jubilee Gardens
These gardens were laid out in 1977 for the Queen's Silver Jubilee. We read in 2010 that they will be redesigned for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics in 2012. The International Brigade memorial will be re-sited somewhere in the new Gardens.
Go to map of other memorials in this area
