Sir Ludwig Guttmann Statue
Location/Address
Stoke Mandeville Hospital
Type
Landmark, art work or way finder
Assets whose form and function are readily visible, but which are not Buildings. This category includes signage and works of art such as murals and statues.
Description
A life-sized cast-bronze statue of Professor Sir Ludwig "Poppa" Guttmann, a lasting tribute to the founder of the modern Paralympic Games
Statement of Significance
Asset type
Memorial StatueAge
Created 2012Rarity
Architectural and Artistic Interest
Cast-bronze, life-sized sculpture by sculptor Mark JacksonGroup Value
Displayed at the home of the ParalympicsHistoric Interest
Professor Guttmann held the first Paralympic sports event there in 1948 on the opening day of the London Games. Ludwig Guttmann was the founder of spinal cord injury treatment at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and opened the National Spinal Injuries Centre there in 1944. He introduced sport into his rehabilitation programme for his patients and the Paralympic Games originated as a result of an archery competition he organised for his patients on the grass outside the centre. He developed Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the National Centre for Disability Sport, alongside the hospital. The statue originally stood at Stoke Mandeville Stadium during the 2012 Games, before being moved to its permanent home at the hospital.
Date Listed
n/a
Last Updated
23 Aug 2023