The Matchgirls Statue
A Statue for Women and Girls Who Sparked a Movement
Honouring the Matchgirls of 1888 with a permanent public monument
We are developing a new public sculpture in East London to commemorate the Matchgirls Strike of 1888 – a defining moment in the history of working-class women who came together to challenge injustice and change lives. The proposed statue will honour the courage, solidarity and legacy of the Matchgirls, and create a lasting public artwork rooted in place, community and shared history.
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Billie Bond selected as artist
​The Matchgirls Memorial is delighted to announce that sculptor Billie Bond has been selected to develop the new Matchgirls Statue in East London.
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Following a competitive selection process, five artists were shortlisted and invited to develop proposals for the memorial. After careful consideration, the selection panel chose Billie's proposal as the strongest foundation for the next stage of the project.
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The panel was particularly drawn to the sense of solidarity, strength, energy and collective action expressed in Billie's proposal, and to its representation of Matchgirls of different ages.
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Billie Bond
Billie Bond is an award-winning British sculptor whose figurative work explores the human condition, identity, resilience and the stories of people whose voices have often been overlooked. A Member of the Royal Society of Sculptors and Society of Portrait Sculptors, Billie works primarily in clay, stoneware, resin and bronze, combining traditional sculptural techniques with a strong sense of narrative.
Her work frequently focuses on women, history and social change, bringing forgotten or underrepresented stories into the public realm. Her recent commissions include the statue of Welsh political activist Elizabeth Andrews OBE for Monumental Welsh Women.
Selected as the artist for the Matchgirl Memorial, Billie is creating a sculpture inspired by the courage, solidarity and determination of the young women and girls who stood together in the 1888 Bryant & May strike.
Sculpting Elizabeth Andrews OBE for Monumental Welsh Women
Photo credit: Billie Bond
“What drew me most strongly to this project was the girls’ courage, determination and solidarity. These young, working-class women found their collective voice and stood together to demand change. I want the sculpture to capture not only the hardship they endured, but also their energy, bravery and refusal to be silenced.”
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“It is a privilege to help give the Matchgirls the lasting recognition they deserve.”
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Developing the Statue
The project is now entering its next stage of development. Billie will work collaboratively with The Matchgirls Memorial to explore how the sculpture can best reflect the Matchgirls and work within its eventual location.
The development process will include consideration of the number and scale of the figures, the composition and relationship of the sculpture to the surrounding park, as well as practical, planning and technical requirements.
We also want the development of the sculpture to be informed by the community. There will be opportunities for local schools and community groups to contribute ideas and engage with the project as the design develops.
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What happens next?
There is still a great deal to do before the final sculpture can be realised. The next stages will include:
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Artistic development – developing the selected concept through research, community engagement and the maquette process
Site and planning – working with the relevant authorities to establish the final location, scale and technical requirements
Fundraising – securing the funding needed to deliver the sculpture and associated community and educational work
Production and installation – working with specialist partners to cast, install and complete the finished statue
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Support the Project
We are now beginning the next stage of fundraising to make the Matchgirls Statue a reality.
The project will require substantial funding for artistic development, production, planning, foundations, installation and associated community and educational work.
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If you would like to support the project, discuss sponsorship or find out more about fundraising opportunities, please get in touch: CONTACT US/SUPPORT THE PROJECT
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This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Matchgirls Memorial. Follow our updates as the sculpture develops and find out how you can get involved. Use the box below to join our mailing list.