Title:SECTIONS OF THE HANDS OF VICTORY LEAVE THE MORRIS SINGER FOUNDRY, BASINGSTOKE, 26 MAY 1989 (TAPE 5) [Allocated Title]
Film Number:MGH 6862-34
Other titles:PRODUCTION OF HANDS OF VICTORY MONUMENT IN BAGHDAD FOR SADDAM HUSSEIN [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Parts of the sculptures are loaded onto lorries at Morris Singer.
Description: Continuation of discussion with Steve about the stabilisation of the lorry-loads (continued from previous tape).
Final preparations to the lorry - the canopy is secured into place.
Interview, in his office, with David Vallance of Morris Singer. He discusses the background of the Hands of Victory, the Iraqi Act of Parliament that was passed to get the project underway, and the placement of the arches at a military parade ground in Baghdad. The physical attributes are discussed: the four bronze hands, each of which is bigger than those of the Statue of Liberty, weigh around 30 tons each, and support stainless steel blades weighing 24 tons which form the arch. The height of the arch is 100 ft (initially, this was to be 150 ft but this was ruled out because of the proxinity to the airport). The swords are ceremonial swords, and commemorate the victory of Iraq in the Iran-Iraq war and, by extension, all Iraqi Army victories. Each hand is supported on a concrete blockhouse, around which are eight concrete waves; attached to the sword hilts are traditional fishing nets containing hundreds of army helmets. David goes on to describe how the foundry became involved, and how it was commissioned purely as a sculpture. He also notes the tightness of the deadline, and the problems encountered on site in Iraq (problems with heat and occasional lack of raw materials for use in the statues). He describes his feelings as the lorries depart, but notes that one hand is already in place in Iraq, and that there will be further lorries (a total of twenty in all). He praises the team at Morris Singer and recognises their contribution.
Final shots on the road outside Morris Singer; David Vallance stands at the roadside watching two lorries departing and driving off on their journey.
Alternative Title:PRODUCTION OF HANDS OF VICTORY MONUMENT IN BAGHDAD FOR SADDAM HUSSEIN [Allocated Series Title]
Colour:Colour
Digitised:
Object_Number:MGH 6862-34
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:NON-IWM
Featured Period:
Production Date:1989-05-26
Production Country: GB
Production Details: Lauren Productions (Production company)
Morris Singer (Production sponsor)
Leger, Alex (Production individual)