Exploring the symbolic power of public monuments, Lockes vision is to create an iconic image, leading a cohort of other statues to represent the home nation throughout the Empire. Depicting a boat carrying five smaller replica statues of Queen Victoria, each figure wears a helmet, reminiscent of that worn by Britannia, and a replica medal signifying an important battle in the history of the British Empire. Reaching over seven meters high, Foreign Exchange wraps around the existing Queen Victoria statue, preserving its original state. A monument overlooked by passers-by, it is brought into the twenty-first century to become a significant contemporary artistic gesture. Seventy years on, Locke draws attention to the original craftsmanship of Brock and Bloye, meanwhile bringing a diverse social and historic focus to a Birmingham heritage asset. Originally unveiled in 1901, Sir Thomas Brocks marble figure of Queen Victoria was recast in bronze by William Bloye and members of the Birmingham School of Art for the Festival of Britain in 1951. This temporary work is seen within the context of a wide-reaching festival of performances, events and projects which all consider our place in the Commonwealth, the present moment and stories of Birmingham and the West Midlands. Presented by the Birmingham 2022 Festival and commissioned by Ikon, Foreign Exchange will remain on view through the summer and during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Launched today, Birminghams city-centre sculpture of Queen Victoria has been reimagined by acclaimed Guyanese-British artist Hew Locke.

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