Dagenham Honours Ford Factory Strikers with New Public Sculptures
A Historic Victory Gets Its Monument
On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Dagenham will celebrate a turning point in British social history as ‘The Dagenham Agates’ are unveiled on Chequers Lane. These two striking sculptures stand as a permanent tribute to the courageous sewing machinists at the Ford factory who staged pivotal strikes in 1968 and again in 1984-85, demanding equal pay for equal work. Their determination directly shaped the Equal Pay Act of 1970, legislation that continues to influence workplace rights today. Standing at 2.1 metres tall, the sculptures take the form of oversized, rainbow-striped agate stones—a concept rooted in Dagenham’s industrial heritage. During the factory’s operating years, workers collected accumulated car paint residue that naturally crystallised into agate-like formations, which they ingeniously repurposed into jewellery and keepsakes. Artist Ruth Ewan transformed this creative reuse into a powerful artistic statement, with each sculpture featuring symbolic layers: 187 for the women who walked out in 1968, and 150 representing those who joined the 1984-85 campaign. For locals, this installation represents far more than public art—it’s recognition of neighbours’ ancestors who stood firm for justice.
Community Spirit Behind the Sculptures
What makes ‘The Dagenham Agates’ particularly meaningful is how deeply embedded they are in the local community’s own storytelling. Artist Ruth Ewan worked closely with Dagenham residents throughout the creative process, ensuring the sculptures genuinely reflect the area’s lived experience rather than imposing an outside perspective. The women being honoured came from diverse backgrounds, with many having migrated to East London from South Asia and beyond, seeking work at the Ford plant. Their strikes weren’t just about individual grievances—they challenged systemic discrimination and proved that women’s skilled labour deserved recognition and fair compensation. Today, the diverse makeup of Dagenham’s population continues to reflect this legacy of migration and resilience. Local community groups, heritage organisations, and residents have championed this project as essential to preserving collective memory. Unlike famous london attractions such as Tower Bridge or Big Ben, which draw international visitors, these sculptures speak directly to the people who walk past them daily, serving as a tangible connection to their neighbourhood’s role in national progress. The unveiling will be a celebration not just of history, but of the enduring bonds between longtime residents and those newly arrived in Dagenham.
What’s Next: A Heritage Trail and Lasting Legacy
The sculptures represent just the beginning of Dagenham’s commitment to its industrial heritage. ‘The Dagenham Agates’ will anchor a broader Heritage Trail within the Dagenham Green area, offering residents and visitors alike an opportunity to explore the neighbourhood’s pivotal contribution to British social history. This expanded trail positions Dagenham as an essential london event destination for anyone interested in authentic cultural narratives and working-class history. The area’s story has already reached wider audiences through the 2010 film and West End musical ‘Made in Dagenham,’ introducing the Ford strikers’ struggle to theatre-goers across London and beyond. Now, the permanent sculptures provide a local focal point—a place where school groups can learn, where residents can gather, and where visitors can engage with real history beyond guidebook highlights. For Dagenham residents, the June 2026 unveiling marks a moment of validation and pride. The sculptures signal that local history matters, that working-class voices deserve recognition, and that community activism creates lasting change. Watch for official announcements about the Heritage Trail’s full scope, guided tour schedules, and educational programming. This is more than a monument; it’s an invitation to remember, reflect, and reconnect with the values that define Dagenham’s identity.
Source: Dagenham’s Ford Strikers Honoured with Inspiring New Sculptures
