Iron Men of the Arsenal

We found these figures by the central London Thames ferry terminal in the Royal Arsenal site in Woolwich. They have arrived unannounced, a silent group of rusty iron figures, moulds for a generic man like a cluster of replica angels of the south. Each one basically identical, but already time and weather have endowed each one with individuality. As you mingle among them, the peripheral vision plays tricks, you see movement. As the play of light and shadow moves through the hollow negative interiors, the brain creates volume, faces pop into positive shape, limbs gain muscle and bone structure. The piece is called Assembly, by the sculptor Peter Burke http://www.sculpture.org.uk/image/000000100316/. The group has raised the atmosphere in this public square, created presence where there was a bleak sense of emptiness. Iron is the right choice of material for public art in Woolwich. A glass wall piece that was installed near the Thames Barrier some years ago was used for firearms practice. All that remains of it is a forgotten sign warning that the artwork is under constant cctv surveillance. I hope the bolts securing these iron men are strong.