Morley College London unveils ‘truly beautiful’ new fifth plinth sculpture outside Waterloo Centre for Adult Education

On Tuesday [18th June] a new sculpture for the Fifth Plinth titled Renewal by artist and former Morley College London student Patsy Hickman was unveiled at the entrance to the Morley College London Waterloo Centre for Adult Education.  

The sculpture is a joyous celebration of Morley’s artistic community coming together to celebrate friendship and learning. It will stand outside the Centre for the next three years.

The figurative sculpture created in steel tells the story of what the College offers:  music, dance, choir, sculpture, academic disciplines and career opportunities – and also features the Centre’s crèche. Book-wielding diverse characters represent Morley’s academic disciplines and its famous alumni – including Morley’s former music director Gustav Holst. The triumph and joy is shown in a theatrical setting. An audience that surrounds the central characters embodies the enthusiasm.

At the unveiling at the Waterloo Centre for Adult Education, artist Patsy Hickman commented: “People often talk about the 3 “R’s” of education – but at Morley it is the 4 C’s – curiosity, cultural thinking, creativity and courtesy … in my sculpture I want to communicate these qualities.”

Jack Davy, Gallery and Exhibitions Manager at Morley College London said “Renewal is a truly beautiful sculpture that represents the College’s values and spirit. We are delighted that students, visitors and passers-by will be able to enjoy this sculpture outside the Waterloo Centre for Adult Education”. 

The sculpture was unveiled by renowned sculptor and Fifth Plinth competition judge Sokari Douglas Camp CBE, who said “Renewal is exciting, rejuvenating and slick. I like it very much“.  

The artwork can be seen outside The Morley Centre for Adult Education:  61 Westminster Bridge Road SE1 7HT