Austin Emery’s The Shared lands in Bermondsey

The Shared, within sight of The Shard, now stands on the Tyers Estate in cobbled Carmarthen Place off Bermondsey Street.

The tall stone structure, like a new Eleanor Cross, is the work of Bermondsey-based sculptor Austin Emery who has brought together carving by residents who in 2012 took part in on-site sculpting workshops.

The finished work reflects the architecture of Westminster's Abbey and Palace and incorporates Victorian brick from nearby London Bridge Station.

There are deliberate nesting places in the nooks of the Portland, Bath and Limestone material.

The unveiling on Saturday evening was performed by Bermondsey resident and Royal Academician Norman Ackroyd. The cover which he pulled off the sculpture was made of prints by Zandra Rhodes from Bermondsey Street.

Norman told the large crowd that he and Zandra graduated from the Royal College of Art on the same day.

During the build-up to the unveiling there was Brazilian folk music provided by Pe de Jurema.

The project was sponsored by Leathermarket JMB, Southwark Council, Team London Bridge, PAYE Stonework, Bermondsey Square, Community First, Costain and Alicia Hollings.

Norman Ackroyd's exhibition A Shetland Notebook is at Eames Fine Art in Bermondsey Street.