Art of Thurrock
I stand alone.
I watch the soft people, the warm people. Moving fast over the ground my namesake laid out for them. I tell the story of Tomáš Ba'a, cast in metal stillness. In solitude, in steady pride. I have been copied. There are others of me in Zlin. But in all of Thurrock, I am the only one. The only statue of Tomáš Bat'a.
The only statue of a person at all.
But, I think, not for long. I see them arriving. The soft people, the warm people. Carrying colours and movement. Building, painting, singing, dancing. I see them walking the marshes, looking for old metal to turn from a relic of war into a sculpture of peace. I see them talking, asking questions, sharing stories.
Are they listening? The songs have always been here. Songs of the new, and of the old creations. My metal still rings with the echoes of my making.
When will I turn from the only to the first? Who will my companions be, to stand with me through time, watching the warm people and all their colours?
From stories told at Bata Heritage Centre and High House Community Group
I watch the soft people, the warm people. Moving fast over the ground my namesake laid out for them. I tell the story of Tomáš Ba'a, cast in metal stillness. In solitude, in steady pride. I have been copied. There are others of me in Zlin. But in all of Thurrock, I am the only one. The only statue of Tomáš Bat'a.
The only statue of a person at all.
But, I think, not for long. I see them arriving. The soft people, the warm people. Carrying colours and movement. Building, painting, singing, dancing. I see them walking the marshes, looking for old metal to turn from a relic of war into a sculpture of peace. I see them talking, asking questions, sharing stories.
Are they listening? The songs have always been here. Songs of the new, and of the old creations. My metal still rings with the echoes of my making.
When will I turn from the only to the first? Who will my companions be, to stand with me through time, watching the warm people and all their colours?
From stories told at Bata Heritage Centre and High House Community Group
