Tower Hill statue to mark builders’ role

Bronze figure commemorates both builders’ deaths and contributions to the capital.

A 9ft bronze statue of a building worker was unveiled on 11 October at Tower Hill in London by Alan Ritchie, UCATT general secretary, and Ken Livingstone, mayor of London.

The statue marks building workers’ contribution to the country and commemorates those who have lost their lives at work.

Ritchie said: “We want to highlight the positive role of building workers in the building of our homes, schools, hospitals, workplaces and transport infrastructure. But at the same time we want to point out that an unacceptable price is paid by hundreds of building workers and their families for the lax safety regime that applies on many building sites and construction projects.”

Livingstone added: “Construction remains one of our most important industries in what is the fastest-growing major city in Europe. I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to London’s 300,000 construction workers, to remember the families of those who have been killed at work, and to pledge that we will do everything we can to ensure that they work in the safest possible conditions.”

The £100,000 statue is located on the A3211, immediately north of the Tower of London. It is the work of sculptor Alan Wilson. An inscription reads: “For the thousands of building workers who have lost their lives at work, we commemorate you. For the thousands of building workers who are today building and rebuilding towns and cities across the United Kingdom, we celebrate you.”

[Contract Journal, 11 October 2006, p 6]