Unveiled at London Biggin Hill Airport, the garden will honour the former RAF base’s role as ‘The Strongest Link’ in the Battle of Britain and the site’s rich history.
_____________________________________________________________
After months of preparation, the Strongest Link Garden was unveiled at London Biggin Hill Airport, on Friday 30th September 2022. The commemorative space was opened by Randolph Churchill, great grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, during a special event with veterans and their families.
The garden and statue, designed by award winning designer John Everiss, features a sculpture of a young pilot looking up at the sky. Standing at four metres tall and constructed from 223 layers of laser cut stainless steel, the contemporary statue is a powerful and moving tribute to all those who have served and continue to serve in the military, regardless of their nationality.
Funding for the garden was provided by Project Giving Back, a support scheme that gives charities the opportunity to exhibit a garden at the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where the garden first launched earlier this year.
Whilst London Biggin Hill has a clear vision to become London’s pre-eminent business aviation airport and a leading centre for technology and enterprise, we remain conscious and proud of the role this famous airfield has played in our country’s past. ‘The Strongest Link Garden’ will ensure that we continue to tell the story of the Battle of Britain to future generations. John’s impressive sculpture and commemorative garden stands abeam the main approach of our runway, providing an iconic gateway to the modern airport.
David Winstanley
Chief Executive Officer at London Biggin Hill Airport
I am thrilled and honoured that ‘The Strongest Link Garden’ is permanently sited at London Biggin Hill, the RAF’s most important base during the Second World War. It's absolutely the perfect place for our pilot sculpture to be; looking to the sky as the Spitfires take off in front of it. It’s very humbling to be able to play a small part in commemorating the Battle of Britain story and historic role of London Biggin Hill Airport.
John Everiss
Award winning Garden Designer
The garden will be welcoming visitors and officially open to the public, as a space of reflection and remembrance, from Saturday 1st October 2022.
Read more about the garden during its time at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
_____________________________________________________________
