Barnes-born internationally acclaimed sculptor, Lynn Chadwick CBE had his iconic work The Watchers (three bronze figures, see below) installed in Downshire House, now part of the University of Roehampton, in 1963.

Ten years ago, one of the grade two-listed figures was cut down and stolen and Thursday 13th October marked the celebration and the return of the complete sculpture to south west London.

Following the theft, the University of Roehampton placed the two remaining figures into secure storage. Last year the University approached Chadwick’s estate to request approval to recast the stolen figure. Today, the three figures stand reunited in Downshire House.

Lynn Chadwick’s widow and her family were joined by Roehampton’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul O’Prey CBE, Justine Greening MP, the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillors, representatives from the London Borough of Wandsworth and local residents for the unveiling (see image below).

'The Watchers has been an intrinsic part of Roehampton’s history and it’s fantastic to see it reinstalled and get a better idea of what the area would have looked like 50 years ago,' explains Gilly King, the University’s History and Heritage Adviser. 'The Watchers is one of only three pieces like this in the world and this reinstallation project has been commended by Historic England. We’ve taken a lot of care in improving security to protect The Watchers and have rescued the sculpture from the Heritage at risk register.'

Visit the website for further information about the University of Roehampton’s 175 year history.