The bronze sculpture right outside the front of Manchester Piccadilly station depicting seven life-sized soldier figures wearing blindfolds and guiding one another has been well-received by many for its “moving” subject matter since it was first erected back in October 2018, and has been described as “striking” for its interaction with passers-by at eye level – but what exactly does it mean?
What’s the message behind it? And why is it here in Manchester city centre?
Commissioned by national ex-service person sight loss charity, Blind Veterans UK, to mark the centenary year of the First World War in 2015 and realised by artist and sculptor Johanna Domke-Guyot, ‘Victory Over Blindness’ is a poignant memorial to soldiers who suffered loss of sight whilst fighting overseas.
The industrialised nature of the First World War – which lasted from 1914 to 1918 and saw the deaths of an estimated 886,000 British and Commonwealth military personnel, as well as countless more injured – made for unfathomable human suffering, with around 30,000 of the wounded discharged with damaged or defective eyesight and of these, 3,000 were left permanently blinded.
This came as a result of a number of circumstances, particularly the dreaded Mustard Gas attacks, as well as head injuries, shrapnel from artillery fire, stray bullets and fractures all contributing to the growing number of men returning from the war with sight loss.
And so, to serve as a stark reminder of these tragedies, the statue was commissioned.
Wikimedia Commons
Unveiled in October 2018 to “commemorate the amazing achievements” of the blind veterans supported by Blind Veterans UK since the end of WWI, the ‘Victory Over Blindness’ statue depicts seven blinded soldiers leading one another away from the battlefield with their hand on the shoulder of the man in front.
The phrase ‘victory over blindness’ was first used by Blind Veterans UK founder, Sir Arthur Pearson, and is a motto that continues to guide the charity’s principles today.
Inspired by a photograph the sculptor Johanna Domke-Guyot saw of WWI veterans, blinded in combat, leading one another from the front, what makes ‘Victory Over Blindness’ different from other statues or sculptures of lifelike individuals is that it was decided it should be situated on the ground and at eye level to engage passers-by, rather than on a plinth or platform.
This choice was primarily made to highlight the notion that the sacrifices of those on the frontline in WW1 should not be forgotten.
“People will be able to touch them, I want it to become a people’s piece,” Ms Domke-Guyot said.
Wikimedia Commons | Geograph – David Dixon
Although Blind Veterans UK is a charity located in London and Brighton – and now in Llandudno too – Manchester was chosen as the site to host the memorial permanently as it was known as a disembarking point for many soldiers returning from the war with life changing inflictions.
“There is no more appropriate location for this statue.” a statement on the Blind Veterans UK website reads.
“The convalescent camp at Heaton Park in Manchester treated and trained thousands of wounded First World War soldiers and sailors, including many with sight loss [and] we hope that it will continue to inspire the people of Manchester, and beyond, for many years to come”.
The statue is an empowering testament to the ability to overcome physical afflictions and serves as a reminder of the crucial role that charities play in rehabilitating wounded soldiers.
Over two years on, ‘Victory Over Blindness’ continues to strike a chord with Mancunians.
Featured Image – Flickr
Trending
Salford Red Devils supporters group outline plans for the next major protest march
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils supporters trust, The 1873, have outlined details of their next major march in protest over the club’s well-publicised ownership troubles and financial crisis.
The fan group, which has mobilised on multiple occasions already this year, is set to hit the streets once again this month and in larger numbers than ever, confirming another big demonstration before their next home game this weekend.
Sharing the update with fellow Red Devils on social media, 1837 leaders are demanding “truth and accountability from the top” ahead of the peaceful protest through Salford.
They have dubbed the event ‘The Last Rally’, but we can only assume there’ll be more fan action as the weeks and possibly months of uncertainty continue.
As you can see, The 1837 are calling for like-minded supporters to rally outside another nearby amateur rugby league football team, Salford City Roosters, before marching on to a second meeting point and, ultimately, the Salford Community Stadium.
Starting in Eccles, with a stop at Barley Farm, before arriving at their club’s home ground in Barton-upon-Irwell, the plan is to gather as much awareness, support and local attention as possible.
Writing in the caption of the above post, they added: “We’ve dominated headlines. We’ve exposed bad ownership. We’ve stood together.
“A history worth fighting for. A future worth protecting. Our last chance to be heard. Don’t stay silent. Make it count.”
Following a recent meeting of the RFL and the two Greater Manchester Mayors, Andy Burnham and Paul Dennett, Salford Red Devils were given somewhat of an even further stay of execution, as it was confirmed that their ‘winding up’/administration deadline has now been adjourned until October.
Nevertheless, the majority of fans are still being kept in the dark about the exact and up-to-date nature of their rugby league club’s situation at present.
Back in June, it looked like new investors could very well still be injecting vital funds to keep key players and staff on the books, but jump to now, and it looks like they don’t know if even things like the big screen even belong to them much longer.
Salford Red Devils aren’t just in debt – our very identity is up for grabs.
The badge. The name. Even the big screen. All signed off as collateral to financiers.
Once again, the march and peaceful protest will take place this Friday, 19 September, prior to the next fixture against Wakefield Trinity.
Getting points on the board will no doubt be a big plus for all, but the game looks like it will very much serve as the backdrop to the wider ongoing saga.
Are you a Red Devils fan, and if so, will you be attending the demonstration? Better still, even if not, what do you make of the circumstances surrounding your side at the moment?
Fantastic to see the fans turn out again, Salford Red Devils will never die 1873 👹🏉 pic.twitter.com/Gne5peQK6u
Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever
Emily Sergeant
The Christmas countdown has officially begun, and there’s a new tipple on the scene to help celebrate.
That’s right – two of the UK’s most beloved treats, Baileys and Terry’s, has dropped the ultimate collaboration and it’s launching 100 days before the big day arrives, gearing up to be the Christmas tipple of choice for chocolate orange lovers.
Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange is a limited-edition treat blending the distinctive taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream with flavours of chocolate and zesty orange.
It’s fair to say that Baileys and Terry’s Chocolate Orange are both beloved staples once the festive season rolls around, with each having taken on various different variations over the years, combining new flavour profiles to create delicious treats.
Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever / Credit: Baileys & Tom Harrison
But surprisingly, this is the first time the two brands have come together for a one-of-a-kind collaboration.
This new collaboration between the two iconic Christmas brands is inspired by the season’s most quintessential flavours.
“For generations, Terry’s Chocolate Orange has been a staple of the Christmas season, so partnering with Baileys is an exciting way to reimagine that tradition in a new and indulgent form,” commented Lorène Decam, who is the Senior Marketing Manager at Terry’s.
“We can’t wait to see fans enjoying this irresistible treat in the run-up to and during the holidays.”
Rolling out nationwide from tomorrow (16 September), Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange will come in 50cl bottles with a 17% ABV and will likely set shoppers back £11 each when they get it from leading retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, and Co-op.
Emily Sergeant -
1st November 2021 
