Victory Over Blindness: A Poignant WWI Memorial at Manchester Piccadilly

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.