Dagenham Honours Pioneering Women with Striking New Sculptures
Historic Dagenham Strikers Immortalised in Public Art
Dagenham is set to unveil a remarkable new public artwork honouring the brave women who played a pivotal role in the fight for equal pay at the Ford factory. Titled ‘The Dagenham Agates,’ these two sister sculptures commemorate the courageous female sewing machinists whose strikes in 1968 and 1984-85 were instrumental in shaping workers’ rights and ultimately led to the Equal Pay Act of 1970. This initiative celebrates the profound local impact of these women, many of whom were new arrivals to London, whose determination left an indelible mark on both industrial relations and social justice. The pieces promise to be a vibrant and meaningful addition to the area, reflecting Dagenham’s rich heritage and the resilience of its community members.
Unveiling ‘The Dagenham Agates’: A Story in Stone
Artist Ruth Ewan, known for her thought-provoking installations, has collaborated with local residents to create ‘The Dagenham Agates.’ Each sculpture, standing at 2.1 metres high, takes the form of an oversized agate stone, symbolic of the industrial byproduct created from accumulated layers of car paint at the Ford factory. These ‘agate’ chunks were often salvaged by employees to craft jewellery and decorative items. The first sculpture, ‘Dagenham Agate 1968,’ comprises 187 rainbow-striped layers, representing the 187 women who participated in the initial strike. Its counterpart, ‘Dagenham Agate 1984-85,’ features 150 layers, commemorating those involved in the later industrial action. These eye-catching pieces beautifully capture a significant chapter in Dagenham’s history.
New Cultural Landmark for East London
The much-anticipated unveiling of ‘The Dagenham Agates’ is scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd June 2026, on Chequers Lane in Dagenham, right near the site of the former picket line. This installation is poised to become a key feature of a wider Heritage Trail planned for the Dagenham Green area, offering both residents and visitors a deeper connection to the locality’s past. For those planning to visit London and seeking unique cultural experiences beyond the well-known london attractions, these sculptures offer a compelling reason to explore East London. They add a fresh, inspiring answer to the question of where to go in London for a day out that connects visitors with the city’s profound social history, much like the exhibits you might find in a dedicated London museum.
Source: Dagenham’s Ford Factory Strikers To Be Honoured In New Sculptures
