The sculpture created by Philip Bews was unveiled on 19th October 1990 by Jack (JL) Jones, CH and was commissioned by London Docklands as a tribute to the immeasurable efforts expended by the deal porters who sorted the deal. Deal a Softwood timber imported from North America, as a part of the bustling activity that characterised the Canada Dock until it closed in 1970.

It celebrates the strength and almost acrobatic skill demanded of the men, showing their co-operation as the 'hold up' allows the strapper' to shoulder and balance the timber.

The figures were themselves constructed in this softwood before being cast in bronze, and their supporting trestles and boards are English Oak. The tall mast and blue painted steel arc represent the simplified profile of a boat...

If you would like to see other examples of
sculpture by Philip Bews and Diane Gorvin - http://www.bewsgorvin.co.uk