A much-loved and widely recognised poetry mural has been given a new lease of life in the crypt of St John’s Waterloo. In a win for public art enthusiasts, Eurydice, commissioned by Bryan Avery Associates, the Arts Council and British Film Institute and written by award-winning poet, novelist, and art critic Sue Hubbard in the early 2000s, has been beautifully reimagined and handcrafted in Purbeck stone for the recently restored vaulted crypt of the landmark Grade II* church in the heart of the South Bank.
After over two months of meticulous hand carving by designer and sculptor Gary Breeze, the sculptor behind the Princess of Wales memorial at Althorp, the stonework poem is now available to visit by members of the public and visitors will almost always find the church open. The launch of the public artwork will be celebrated with a live reading of the poem by Sue Hubbard – the Poetry Society’s only ever resident Public Art Poet – on Thursday 9th February 2023.
Richard Ellison, Senior Development Manager (One Waterloo), HB Reavis, commented:
“Waterloo and the Southbank is synonymous with public art – from Eurydice to the vibrant graffiti at the Leake Street arches, culture and creativity spans the entire neighbourhood. Culture helps foster a sense of identity for an area which is why it is so important that we ensure we retain it as something that shapes places and communities. That is why we are so pleased we have been able to play a part in preserving the future of one of Waterloo’s most loved and recognisable pieces of public art for future generations to celebrate.”
