Stockwell War Memorial exhibition highlights current themes 

large public ceremony historic image
The Portland stone Stockwell Memorial clock tower was unveiled on the afternoon of 3 May 1922 in front of a huge crowd. It was funded in large part by donations from local people. © Richard Paul Kingston

Organisers of an exhibition to commemorate the centenary of the building of the clock tower in Stockwell, on which 574 names of local men lost in the First World War are listed, say that the themes they have chosen have particular relevance now.

Naomi Clifford, chairman of Friends of Stockwell War Memorial & Gardens, said: “The themes of remembrance, community and renewal are universal.

“We hope, especially with current events, that our exhibition will inspire visitors to look towards the future, to contemplate the community spirit that always arrives in times of crisis, and to anticipate the prospect of rebuilding and restitution.”

Committee member Sheila Dartnell added: “The memorial was built with contributions from the public. It was a community-led project from the start.

WWI soldier in uniform
Christopher Dartnell, a lance-corporal in the Light Infantry who was killed in action at Sanctuary Wood in Belgium on 16 October 1917, is remembered on Stockwell War Memorial. By kind permission of Sheila Dartnell.

“My great-uncle Christopher Dartnell is named on the memorial. Even 100 years after it was built, to come here and think about his life means a great deal to my family.”

The exhibition opens at St Michael’s Church in Stockwell tomorrow (30 April) and runs util Saturday 7 May.

It includes information panels tracing the history of the memorial, a short film, newly discovered photos of the unveiling on 3 May 1922, and a map on which all the known addresses of the men listed on the memorial have been charted.

St Michael’s Church, Stockwell Park Road, London SW9 0DA. 

  • Saturday 30 April 11am – 4pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Monday 2 May 5 – 7pm
  • Tuesday 3 May 2 – 4pm
  • Wednesday 4 May 5 – 7pm
  • Thursday 5 May 5 – 7pm
  • Friday 6 May 5 – 7pm
  • Saturday 7 May 11am – 4pm
war memorial detail
Stockwell War Memorial panel