This is one of three bronze, life-size sculptures by artist Kevin Atherton completed and installed by Brixton station in 1986. Interested by the notion of 'love at first sight' and playing on the fleeting interactions that people often have with one another in large cities, he created these pieces to play on the idea of locking eyes before vanishing. The platform became the plinth for these sculptures and they were placed in looking distance of each other. 

After spending some time stalking the platforms to observe how the passengers interacted with the space he found three models for his sculptures: Peter Lloyd (on playform one), Joy Battick (platform three) and Katin Heistermann (platform two). It has been claimed these these were the first bronze sculptures of black people in the UK. Atherton was intrigued by the idea that the bronze finish acted as a unifier, erasing superficial differences between the three, regardless of background. The everyday act of waiting for a train became the common denominator for Londoners from all walks of life.

The casting was done in sections in the ticket office, where Kevin made a plaster cast of their bodies then dressed them in actual clothes, stiffened with resin. Next the bronze was applied, in a layer only as thick as the clothing.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.