Now I make a Leaf of Voices

The London Group is delighted to present ‘Now I make a leaf of Voices’ a free outdoor sculpture exhibition in St John’s Churchyard Gardens in partnership with St John’s Church and the Waterloo Festival 2026.

The theme originates from Walt Whitman’s roaring, elegant poem ‘Voices’ from his celebrated collection ‘Leaves of Grass’ published in 1855. It celebrates polyphony and plurality at the core of the creative expression. It takes the shape of personal and communal voices, expressing emotions, histories and opinions. Voices can soothe, entertain, anger or lead.

Barbara Beyer & Mark Sowden’s ‘The hatter singing as he stands’ inspired by working songs associated with trading and crafting, takes imprints on clay of the churchyard walls to capture the resonant spirit of the daily community life.