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
Cult favourite clothing brand Clints has dropped the lineup for the first-ever music festival
Danny Jones
Popular Manchester street and footwear brand, Clints Inc., has now revealed the lineup for its first-ever music and culture festival to mark five whole years in fashion – and it’s looking big.
The highly sought-after clothing and sneaker make started out from a bedroom in Moston and is now a premium label in British urban, skating, UK grime and hip-hop culture, having been worn by many famous names and welcoming even more through the door of their Deansgate shop.
Located in the ABC Buildings on Quay Street next to Spinningfields, the flagship Clints store opened back in 2022 and is much more than a place to buy some new drip: it’s a place that showcases art, music, and a whole sub-sect of shopping beyond just skate silhouettes and trendy trainers.
As hack as it might sound to some, wearing this brand comes along with immersing yourself in the wider style and scene; the very same scene being celebrated in tandem with their fifth birthday.
Up until recently, details were still scarce, but now the debut Clints Fest lineup has dropped, and there are some big names on board.
Set to take place at Barton Aerodrome, a.k.a. City Airport, over in Eccles, the live performers confirmed for 2025 span multiple genres, spotlighting both music veterans and up-and-coming artists from all over.
Legendary DJ, producer and MC Mike Skinner – most famously for his music with The Streets – tops the bill, alongside Tottenham-born rapper and grime artist, Chip (formerly known as ‘Chipmunk’).
There’s plenty of local love on show too, with Manc R’n’B, jazz and soul singer, Victoria Jane, also set to perform, among many other acts from around the region and beyond.
Other names include the equally soulful hip-hop and rap star, Kofi Stone, New Zealand actor and solo artist, Sammy V, as well as plenty more.
On the launch of the event, Founder Junior Clint said: “We’ve built Clints on the back of our supporters embracing the DIY spirit. This festival is the ultimate expression of that ethos. Housing both music legends with upcoming artists is our ambition with Clint Fest, and we can’t wait to deliver it.”
Clints Fest (the inaugural one, at that) will take place on Saturday, 6 September, over in the Salford suburb of Barton-upon-Irwell, kicking off from 12pm and wrapping up around 10:30pm.
You can expect the festival to be packed to the rafters with die-hard followers of all things Clints and streetwear; here’s hoping this is just the first of many.
While the pre-sale and the first phase window for early access have both fully sold out, the second phase has now gone live, with general admission tickets available from £45.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/CLINTS Inc (via Instagram)
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Viral beauty retailer Sephora announces Manchester Arndale opening day plans
Thomas Melia
Viral beauty stockist Sephora has announced the schedule ahead of new Manchester Arndale site’s opening day.
Known for stocking some of the world’s biggest beauty brands, including Sol De Janeiro Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, Fenty, Huda Beauty, and more, Sephora is making its Manchester Arndale debut this week, and opening day plans have been confirmed.
After opening its first Manchester site inside the Trafford Centre last year, the cosmetics retailer is now really making its mark on Manchester city centre.
Ahead of its new launch inside one of Manchester’s biggest shopping centres, with a almost 5,000 sq ft site inside the Arndale, Sephora is expected to attract huge queues, so the retailer has issued a statement detailing its plans ahead of the opening day.
Sephora has announced plans ahead of its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
The opening day is this Friday (1 August) from 10am, and from this date, you’ll be able to get your hands on all their glorious goodies and brands.
If you’re eager to be one of the first people to browse this beauty shop and its massive product range, you’ll be able to queue beforehand – with entertainment on the day from 8am, and the opening ceremony from 9:30am.
Similarly to the brand’s Trafford Centre launch, there will be a range of activities, including an appearance from Drag King Don One, DJ sets, Spin the Wheel, and Sephora’s iconic viral gift bags.
These gift bags have become highly-sought-after due to the sheer amount of big names and top quality products you can find inside, and there’ll be 800 of these prized possessions given away throughout the weekend.
This time, however, the cosmetics retailer is trialling a new approach, with anyone who makes an in-store purchase receiving a ‘Sephora Beauty Bonus Card’ which gives you access to goodies and offers without queuing.
You’ll be in with the chance of winning a goodie bag, a mystery lucky dip for a full-sized product, Benefit Wax and Tint Brow Service, 30-minute makeover opportunity, exclusive merchandise, and a 10% off code for the Manchester Arndale Sephora shop.
The viral beauty brand Sephora will be giving away 800 goodie bag at its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
Sephora will be stocking more than 135 brands, as well as a curation of products that are exclusive to its UK locations.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Sephora UK, commented: “We’ve been blown away by the energy and support from our community at every store opening since our first in 2023.
“This new approach means even more customers can enjoy the fun and walk away with a surprise without needing to arrive hours before doors open. It’s about putting customer wellbeing first, while still celebrating in true Sephora style”.
Sephora is opening at Manchester Arndale on Friday 1 August, with entertainment starting from 8am, the official opening ceremony commencing from 9:30am, and the store opening at 10am.
Emily Sergeant -
1st November 2021 
