The Mud Soldier

Coordinates: 51°30′30.22″N 0°7′43.66″W / 51.5083944°N 0.1287944°W / 51.5083944; -0.1287944
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A brown sculpture of a slumping First World War infantryman
The Mud Soldier on display in London

The Mud Soldier was an artwork by Damian and Killian Van Der Velden (Grofweg Architecten) displayed in Trafalgar Square. It was commissioned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele.[1][2]

The sculpture, depicting a First World War soldier seated on a bedroll, was constructed from sand and mud taken from Flanders Fields.[3] Situated in the open air, it was intended to disintegrate over the five days that it was on show. The location was chosen due to the proximity of the homes of two servicemen[who?] who had received the Victoria Cross for their actions at Passchendaele.[4]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Sawer, Patrick (30 July 2017). "Passchendaele mud soldier slowly dissolves to mark centenary of battle". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  2. ^ "'Mud Soldier' rests in Trafalgar Square for Ypres/Passchendaele Centenary". Centenary News. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  3. ^ "Melting mud soldier sculpture is built at Trafalgar Square". cetusnews.
  4. ^ "'Melting' mud WW1 sculpture unveiled in Trafalgar Square". BBC News. Retrieved 13 October 2017.

51°30′30.22″N 0°7′43.66″W / 51.5083944°N 0.1287944°W / 51.5083944; -0.1287944

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