Today, December 18, a sculpture depicting the Sunderland POW, who passed away in 2021, reached its final resting place in North Marine Park, South Shields.
It was created by celebrated artist Ray Lonsdale in his South Hetton workshop and stands as a tribute to Len and his fellow comrades in “The Forgotten Army.”
The artist said: “ “The importance of this particular statue is that it’s for The Forgotten Army, it’s for the people who were captured, tortured and worked to death in many cases.
“You see all the First World War statues, you see all the difference aspects that are commemorated on a regular basis, so it’s nice to bring this story to the fore.”
1. Final resting place
Entitled “The Forgotten Army”, the eye-catching piece depicts Sunderland POW Len Gibson who was imprisoned on the notorious Burma ‘Death’ Railway by the Japanese and endured years of unimaginable treatment. | Iconic Media
2. Enduring friendship
The public artwork was commissioned by philanthropist Brian Burnie, pictured, founder of the Daft as a Brush cancer charity, who was a great friend of the late Len before he passed away in July 2021 at 101 years old. | Iconic Media
3. Kindness in the face of unimaginable suffering
Len’s bravery and kindness in the face of extreme cruelty has inspired so many over the years and the sculpture depicts the music teacher at the time of his liberation handing his homemade banjo to a young local boy as a symbol of peace and forgiveness. | Iconic Media
4. A fitting tribute
The artwork was installed at its permanent location in North Marine Park with a special ceremony. Highland Pipers opened the ceremony, which was attended by Vice Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, General Robin Brims, Brian Burnie, Council leader Tracey Dixon, Ray Lonsdale and special guests. | Iconic Media