Hackney Council commemorates international sign for peace with plaque
Campaigners, politicians and members of the public gathered to commemorate the site where the international symbol for peace was first presented by Gerald Holtom 60 years ago.
Organised by Hackney Council as part of its brown plaque scheme, which commemorates historical figures and events in Hackney, the unveiling took place above the Fish and Cook Stationers at 3 Blackstock Road, where Holtom first presented the iconic design to his colleagues at the Direct Action Committee against nuclear war (DAC).
On October 6, the plaque was unveiled by the Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Clare Potter in front of supporters and Holtom’s family, including Rosie Holtom, the artist’s great-niece.
Our family are proud of Gerald's iconic design and how it's become a symbol of hope and peace around the world.
I'm happy we finally got this plaque made and I am grateful to everyone who has helped and supported it along the way.
In 1958 Gerald Holtom publicly showcased the logo at the first London to Aldermaston march, when thousands of people protested against Britain's production of the atom bomb.
The symbol was adopted soon after by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and went on to become one of the most widely recognised designs in history.
Our Father, and so many others, are terribly proud of the Peace Symbol that he designed and helped bring to the world.
“I had no idea, when I was 14, how massive this symbol would become. I still remember stapling dozens and dozens of the symbols on to sticks for their first outing.
I am honoured to mark the building where the decision was made to use the sign which became used internationally as a symbol for peace.
This iconic symbol, 3 lines and a circle has gone onto symbolise freedom and justice for over 60 years and I’m sure many more years yet. To our wonderful diverse local community in Hackney, Haringey and Islington I hope it represents hope for a peaceful world for many generations to come.
To find out more about the Council’s plaque scheme visit: https://www.hackney.gov.uk/plaques