Victory Over Blindness: A Poignant WWI Memorial at Manchester Piccadilly
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
Victory Over Blindness is a striking bronze sculpture situated outside Manchester Piccadilly station, commemorating First World War veterans who suffered blindness in combat. Created by Johanna Domke-Guyot and unveiled in 2018, it depicts seven life-sized blind soldiers guiding one another at eye level, fostering a powerful connection with passers-by and honoring the resilience of wounded servicemen.
A brief summary to Victory Over Blindness
- Manchester Piccadilly station, Manchester, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the detailed bronze figures and their expressive poses.
- Take a moment to touch the sculpture and reflect on the human stories behind the memorial.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Piccadilly station to explore other public artworks and city landmarks.
- Learn about the history of Blind Veterans UK to deepen your understanding of the memorial’s significance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train
Arrive directly at Manchester Piccadilly station, one of the city’s main railway hubs with frequent services from across the UK. The monument is located just outside the station’s main entrance, easily accessible upon arrival. Train fares vary depending on origin, typically ranging from £5 to £50.
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Bus
Several local bus routes serve Manchester Piccadilly station, including numbers 147, 192, and 201. Bus journeys from central Manchester take 10 to 20 minutes. Single fares cost approximately £2 to £4. Note that bus frequency may reduce during evenings and weekends.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop you directly at Manchester Piccadilly station. Travel times from central Manchester range from 5 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. Typical fares start around £5 and can increase during peak hours.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in Manchester city centre, walking to Piccadilly station is straightforward and takes about 10 to 20 minutes on mostly flat, paved paths. The area is pedestrian-friendly but can be busy during peak commuting hours.
Victory Over Blindness location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Victory Over Blindness
A Unique Tribute to Blinded Veterans of the First World War
Victory Over Blindness is a deeply moving bronze sculpture located on Piccadilly Approach, just outside the main entrance of Manchester Piccadilly station. Commissioned to mark the centenary of the First World War, it commemorates those soldiers who returned from the front lines having lost their sight. Unlike traditional war memorials, this sculpture is placed at eye level without a plinth, allowing visitors to engage directly with the figures. The seven life-sized figures represent blinded veterans supporting one another, inspired by a historic photograph of the 55th (West Lancashire) Infantry Division at the Battle of Estaires in 1918.Artistic Vision and Historical Significance
Created by artist and sculptor Johanna Domke-Guyot, the statue was first conceived in 2015 for the centenary of Blind Veterans UK, the charity that commissioned it. The figures are modeled on real veterans who suffered blindness during combat, emphasizing authenticity and personal sacrifice. The sculpture’s positioning at ground level invites tactile interaction, embodying the artist’s wish for it to become "a people’s piece." Its unveiling in October 2018 by HRH The Countess of Wessex highlighted its importance as the only permanent memorial dedicated to wounded soldiers of WWI in Manchester.Manchester’s Role in Rehabilitation and Remembrance
Manchester was chosen as the permanent home for this memorial due to its historical connection with the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers. The nearby Heaton Park convalescent camp treated thousands of servicemen, including many with sight loss. The location outside the bustling Piccadilly station ensures high visibility and continual public engagement, serving as a reminder of the human cost of war and the ongoing support provided by charities like Blind Veterans UK.Design and Emotional Impact
The sculpture’s arrangement of seven figures walking in a line, each with a hand on the shoulder of the man in front, symbolizes solidarity, trust, and perseverance. This evocative portrayal captures the vulnerability and strength of those affected by war injuries. The absence of a raised platform allows the figures to share the same space as viewers, creating a powerful emotional connection and fostering reflection on sacrifice and resilience.Funding and Community Support
The project was funded through generous donations, notably from The Gosling Foundation, and supported by Network Rail and Transport for Greater Manchester. Since its unveiling, Victory Over Blindness has become a significant cultural landmark in Manchester, inspiring visitors and locals alike. It stands not only as a memorial but also as a testament to the transformative power of rehabilitation and community support for veterans.Continuing Legacy and Public Engagement
Victory Over Blindness remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the First World War and the ongoing journey of wounded veterans. Its presence encourages public awareness of sight loss and rehabilitation, while the figures’ lifelike scale and approachable placement invite ongoing interaction and contemplation. The memorial continues to inspire and educate, bridging history with present-day recognition of veterans’ resilience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Victory Over Blindness
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A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
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Essential places to dine
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Evuna NQ
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The Refuge
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Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Ancoats
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Jimmy's Manchester
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PUPA Restaurant & Bar
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Manchester Souvenirs & Convenience Store
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Bionic Seven
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Urban Exchange
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Fred Aldous Ltd
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T.La Art & Craft Gallery
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The Manchester Shop
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Thunder Egg
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
