£50k boost for Cornerstone Bermondsey sculpture project

The Cornerstone is the fruit of a series of participative workshops run by local artist Austin Emery – but completing and installing the work will cost nearly £89,000.

Together with BermondseyStreet.London (formerly Bermondsey Street Area Partnership), an appeal to raise the installation costs was launched as part of the Mayor of London's Crowdfund London scheme.

After more than 170 contributions from local individuals and organisations totalling £11,338, the Mayor has now added a £50,000 pledge.

There's now just over a month to plug the remaining £60,000 gap – pledges can be made at www.spacehive.com/cornerstone

"I am so proud and excited about our massive community achievement," said Austin Emery.

"The sculpture project over the years has engaged hundreds of people from all walks of life and now all of this is solidifying through The Cornerstone's construction and installation onto Bermondsey Street at Whites Grounds.

"Our crowdfunding campaign is bringing even more people together, chipping in to make our unique landmark a firm reality."

Southwark Council has also – via Leathermarket JMB – contributed £7,500 to the appeal.

Cllr Rebecca Lury, deputy leader and cabinet member for culture, leisure, equalities and communities, said: "The Cornerstone is wonderful public collaboration between artist Austin Emery and the local community and beyond.

"I was fortunate in that I was able to see at first hand these huge pieces of stone, hand-carved by children and adult participants from the Whites Grounds Estate and areas around Bermondsey Street during open public workshops.

"Together this will form a living art heritage, connecting people across time, social and geographical boundaries. The work of yesterday's stonemasons will exist along side the contemporary work of today's community and Austin is the man to achieve this.

"Personally, I am delighted that here at the council we can make this contribution towards this excellent project."

The Cornerstone follows on from The Shared, unveiled on the Tyers Estate five year ago.