Hammersmith & Fulham Council is inviting residents to support the restoration of one of the borough's historic public artworks – the Greek Runner statue in St Peter's Square Gardens, Hammersmith.
For nearly a century, this striking bronze figure by celebrated sculptor Sir William Blake Richmond has stood proudly in the Grade II-listed gardens, admired for their elegant layout and historic charm. The statue captures the spirit of movement, athleticism and classical beauty.
As we approach the statue's centenary, natural wear from weather and time has made it a perfect moment to join forces with the local Park Friends group in celebrating and enhancing this cherished historic landmark. Specialist conservation work is planned for both the bronze figure and the plinth, with restoration expected to begin this autumn.
A Spacehive crowdfunding campaign is already underway to help restore the sculpture – and thanks to the generosity of local residents and art lovers, it's raised more than £5,200 so far. That's 40 per cent of the total target of £13,124. H&F Council has pledged to match fund the campaign, helping to secure the project.
Watch the ITV London report on YouTube.
Cllr Florian Chevoppe-Verdier, H&F Cabinet Member for Public Realm, said:
I am grateful to everyone who has donated and supported the preservation of this remarkable sculpture for future generations. Together, we're helping to protect and celebrate the borough's rich artistic and cultural heritage, making H&F an even better place to live, work and enjoy."
Funding
The council's contribution will come from the Community Infrastructure Levy – a fund paid by property developers to support local facilities and infrastructure. With your help, we can restore the statue to its original splendour and preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
Joanna Edmunds, Chair of St Peter's Residents' Association said:
The Greek Runner is the focal point of St Peter's Square, which lies at the heart of the St Peter's Residents' Association. The Square hosts many of our community events as well as being an everyday meeting place, and the Greek Runner is a constant reminder of our local heritage. Both the Greek Runner and the Square are Grade II-listed, as are many of the houses around. Many in the community feel a great responsibility to ensure the preservation of this history and feel privileged to live in the area.
"We are delighted to partner with H&F to restore the statue and ensure its preservation for the next 100 years. We are looking forward to seeing the statue restored to its (near) original state and are grateful to the council for supporting this initiative, which has been widely welcomed locally."
A celebration of local heritage
The statue was sculpted by Sir William Blake Richmond (1842-1921), a renowned British artist best known for his portraits and the dazzling mosaics inside St Paul's Cathedral. A leading figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, Richmond lived and worked for many years in the parish of St Peter's, Hammersmith.
His Greek Runner blends classical elegance with Victorian artistry – an enduring tribute to movement, grace and local pride. The statue was cast in 1879 at the famous Thames Ditton Foundry and gifted to the square in 1926 by Richmond's family. It's not just a striking centrepiece – it's a Grade II-listed monument, officially recognised as part of the nation's heritage.
The Greek Runner is nestled in one of only two parks in H&F with listed status – the other being Bishops Park. Over the decades, it has stood as a silent witness to everything from wartime blackouts to joyful summer picnics and dog walks.
This project is more than just a repair – it's a celebration of our shared heritage and a chance for the community to come together in support of public art. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to safeguarding this cultural treasure.
Support the campaign on Spacehive and be part of the story that keeps Hammersmith's history alive for another 100 years.
Acknowledgments
This project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the following local organisations:
- Architectural firm Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands.
- St Peter's Residents' Association with direct donations from SPRA members and estate agent Horton and Garton.
The Leaning Woman – a success story
Thanks to a spirited local campaign, The Leaning Woman has been lovingly restored.
In 2023, H&F Council teamed up with the Heritage of London Trust to launch a Spacehive crowdfunding campaign, raising £11,737 from residents and sculpture fans. Combined with £15,000 from the council and £10,000 from the trust, the funds restored this much-loved landmark near St Peter's Church. Once dubbed a "modern monstrosity", Karel Vogel's 1958 sculpture is now celebrated as a local icon – proof that public art, like the community behind it, can weather the test of time.
Take a selfie with The Leaning Woman next time you're on the Great West Road.
