'This isn't just a monument': New Windrush statue unveiled to honour Wolverhampton's forgotten generation

A new statue dedicated to the Windrush generation has been unveiled in Wolverhampton to help mark Windrush Day 2026.

The statue, which was created by iconic Black Country metal artist Luke Perry and local artist, Victoria Murrain, was unveiled in St Patrick’s Park, near the Broad Street Basin, only minutes from the city centre tonight (June 22).

Featuring an anchor, features the bow of a ship, an anchor and a chain, all produced or acquired locally in the Black Country, and pays homage to those communities who travelled to the region on the HMT Empire Windrush in 1948 and later on.

The generation helped to fill vital labour shortages at the time, such as the newly established NHS, ironworks and public transport, and is noted for enriching the cultural, culinary and social fabric of the nation.

Now, watched by hundreds of members of the Windrush generation and those of the public, the new ‘living’ statue has been unveiled to help remember, pay respects, and celebrate those who travelled to Britain to keep the nation moving when it was most in need.

Sculpture of the monument, Mr Luke Perry, said: “It really was an incredible offer to even be asked, really.

“There is always a lot of pressure to distil something that is emotive, down to something that is like this, whilst keeping it complex.

“When you get to this point, where you see it unveiled, and you see people’s emotions, it’s very precious.”

Luke said that a crucial part of the monument is the telling of the stories of those who have been impacted by the Windrush generation and portraying those stories through symbolism.

He said: “Certain things in and of themselves have such a powerful symbolism.

“In this piece, there are bits in there, the bow of the ship, the anchor and chain, the anchor is in gold, why is it in gold? It is because of the symbolism of how much this generation is worth.

“I really tried to fit in as much as I could with as little as I had. It’s amazing to see it come unveiled.”

The event was filled with notable figures, including Wolverhampton North East MP, Sureena Brackenridge, and Wolverhampton Council leader, Stephen Simkins.

Speaking at the event, Ms Brackenridge said: “Today is mixed emotions. As we heard in the opening speech, it’s a day of celebration, yes, a celebration for all the service and contributions made by all of those from that generation, but also a day to mark and reflect on the injustices.

“Their stories have got to live on, people have to be able to tell their children and their grandchildren.

“It’s amazing to have two brilliant Luke Perry statues here in Wolverhampton, both the Sikh Soldier and now this magnificent Windrush sculpture, and it just shows how blessed we are with our community.”

Councillor Simkins added: “This sculpture is absolutely amazing, not only because it is a symbol of the Windrush generation, but also because it is a symbol of community.

“This city is built on steel, and everyone who came to this city of ours, especially Bilston, worked side by side in the steel works. It was our combined toil, and we took care of each other.

“This city, we come together in heat and adversity for the benefit of everybody here. It’s fantastic.”

Scores of family members with links to the Windrush generation were also in attendance at the event, with many becoming emotional when they first saw the new statue unveiled.

Hope Brown-Williams, aged 38, of Wolverhampton, said: “It’s a lovely symbol not only of what the members and the family members of the Windrush people went through to be here, but also of the Black Country community who came together, even now, to support each other.

“What was said in the opening speech is absolutely right, it’s not just ‘a monument’, it’s ‘our monument’, and that means all of us.”