Plans for a landmark public artwork on Emma Cons Gardens by internationally acclaimed artist Linder Sterling were unveiled today by Cllr Sarina Da Silva.

Linder sterling has designed three distinctive steel sculptures based on the Victorian bustle – once hidden, now reimagined as bold forms symbolising women’s resilience and visibility. This new bower-like installation celebrates the strength of their collective womanhood.

They honour Emma Cons, the pioneering social reformer who founded the Old Vic, established Morley College, and became one of the first women to hold public office in London.

Linder said, “I was delighted and honoured to be invited to design a sculpture to endure in the Emma Cons Gardens for half a century, but even the imagination of the artist is stretched to ponder the world in 2075. I invite us all to explore how the Gardens can become a celebrant of sorts, an urban site able to cradle collective moments of joy, anxiety, celebration, bereavement and rebirth. The Gardens proudly stand at a crossroads. Within many mythologies, crossroads are seen as liminal spaces, time can become fluid as paths cross and chance meetings arise. One could say that the Emma Cons Gardens exists as a state of mind beyond everyday time and space, a site laden with future promise.”

Paul Cons, Emma Cons Gardens Trust Chair said, “We are delighted to be revealing that Linder has been commissioned to produce the contemporary art for the focal point of the revitalised public space. Known for her striking 2D visual work, this will be her first permanent sculpture in a public space and a fitting tribute to Emma Cons.”

To make this happen, the Emma Cons Gardens Trust – a dedicated, community-rooted charity – is committed to ensuring this vision becomes a reality and to raising the funds needed. We are now seeking £200,000 to deliver the sculptures.