Restored Bull Statue in Roehampton Unveiled

Local children and residents join ceremony on Danebury Avenue

Jeremiah from Alton School helps unveil the Bull with the Mayor of Wandsworth
. Picture: Wandsworth Council

November 29, 2024

The shaggy bronze bull that has stood on the Alton Estate for more than 60 years has been unveiled after receiving a makeover.

Local children and residents helped in the ceremony in which the Grade II* listed sculpture was revealed after a restoration project gave it a new lease of life.

Wandsworth Council worked with charity Heritage of London Trust to complete the restoration of the ten-foot long bull, which was created by celebrated artist Robert Clatworthy and placed at Downshire Field in 1961 .

The work done by Heritage of London Trust included removal of dirt, spray paint and corrosion, as well as a repatination and rewaxing.

Schoolchildren from The Alton School and Roehampton Church Forest School joined the Mayor of Wandsworth Sana Jafri to unveil the majestic sculpture on Tuesday 26 November.

Local resident Stephen Ballard was a schoolboy when the sculpture was first installed, and remembers its arrival.

Stephen said: “I was living across the street when they first installed the sculpture in 1961, after my family moved here in 1958.

“I was about six at the time and I remember the lead up to it, as they told us they were going to build something here. It was either going to be a children’s playground, a paddling pool, or a bull sculpture. I can remember it like it was yesterday, we weren’t too happy at first because we wanted a playground.

“But they made the right decision because it has lasted and it’s a magnificent piece in the area. It’s good to see it restored.”

Alton School pupil Jeremiah Evans unveiled the restored sculpture, while children from Roehampton Church Forest School performed poems they had written about the Bull’s life over the past 63 years.

“I’ve seen Bull many times and I really like it, I sometimes come and play down here,” said Jeremiah. “We learned about how it was put down here after World War II. It looks a lot different now, cleaner and nicer.”

Mayor of Wandsworth meets Stephen Ballard (centre) who was at the installation in 1961

The sculpture was originally commissioned as part of a post-war public art project, which also included the installation of Lynn Chadwick’s Grade II listed bronze figures The Watchers in Roehampton in 1963.

Councillor Jafri said the restored bronze bull was “a symbol of our community’s strength and heritage”.

“This much-loved sculpture has stood here in Roehampton for over 60 years as a testament to resilience and creativity,” she added.

“As we unveil the restored bull, we’re proud of the local legacy it represents. Our thanks go to the Heritage of London Trust, whose support made this restoration possible, preserving Alton’s cultural history for future generations.

“This investment reflects our commitment to listening to what local communities need and building a better future for everyone living and working here.”

As part of the Alton Renewal Plan, Downshire Field Play Space will be developed as a naturalistic play area connecting children with nature amongst parkland and mature trees at the top of the field. The play space will include new paths and nature trail, a climbing structure, picnic table, trim trail and sand pit.