South Tyneside Council is considering plans to permanently install a statue honoring World War Two veteran Len Gibson in North Marine Park, South Shields. The 2.7m (8.8ft) artwork,created by Ray Lonsdale,depicts Gibson handing a banjo to a Burmese boy - a symbol of peace and forgiveness following his release from captivity.
Gibson, originally from Sunderland, was a prisoner of war forced to work on the Burma Death Railway, where he built a banjo and entertained fellow prisoners. He died in July 2021 at the age of 101. The statue was initially unveiled on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day at South Shields Town Hall in August.
Cancer charity Daft as a Brush, a cause Gibson long supported – even adopting one of thier ambulances – has formally applied to the council for permission to relocate the statue to the park. Planning documents state the artwork also serves as a tribute to Gibson and “all ‘The Forgotten Army’ who fought in Burma.”
Gibson inspired many, including musician Dave Stewart of the eurythmics, and was a dedicated music teacher. children at his former school created artwork for the Daft as a Brush ambulance named in his honor, “len Guitar Gibson.”
A decision on the application will follow a public consultation exercise.
