A bronze figure now stands outside the Imperial War Museum, a permanent tribute to one of the UK’s most steadfast anti-war activists. Brian Haw, the man who made Parliament Square his home for nearly a decade in protest against British and American military interventions, has been immortalised in a new statue championed by actor and activist Sir Mark Rylance.
Unveiled on 16th March 2025, the statue—crafted by sculptor Amanda Ward—captures Haw in his characteristic pose: mid-speech, eyes resolute, megaphone in hand. Measuring 72 cm tall, the bronze figure stands in direct opposition to the Imperial War Museum, creating a striking visual and ideological contrast.
A Campaign for Remembrance
Rylance, known for his roles on stage and screen as much as for his activism, led the charge in getting Haw’s legacy recognised in this form. In early 2023, he helped launch a crowdfunding campaign to fund the statue, alongside fellow campaigner Michael Culver. Within months, supporters had raised over £25,000, signalling a groundswell of appreciation for Haw’s commitment to pacifism and protest.
Speaking at the unveiling, Rylance remarked, “Brian shouted loudly for peace and inspired many people and many protests. This statue is not just a memorial but a symbol of enduring resistance.”
Haw’s family and former supporters gathered to witness the moment, with some carrying placards echoing the messages he once displayed outside Parliament. “His protest was a voice for those who couldn’t be heard,” said one attendee. “This statue ensures he won’t be forgotten.”
A Life of Defiant Protest
Haw first set up camp in Parliament Square in 2001, initially to protest against economic sanctions on Iraq. Over the years, his demonstration expanded into a sprawling display of banners, messages, and artwork condemning war and its consequences. His presence became a thorn in the side of successive governments, leading to repeated legal battles and attempts to evict him.
Despite these efforts, Haw remained in place until ill health forced him to leave in 2011. He passed away later that year, but his protest had already become legendary—a testament to the power of individual defiance against the machinery of war.
A Landmark with a Message
The decision to place the statue outside the Imperial War Museum is, in itself, a powerful statement. The museum, dedicated to chronicling the history of conflict, now faces a figure who opposed war in all its forms. The contrast is unmissable—on one side, a vast institution housing exhibits of military history; on the other, a lone protestor who spent his life resisting the very wars those exhibits document.
Visitors stepping out of the museum now find themselves confronted by Haw’s defiant stance, his megaphone still raised in silent protest. It forces a moment of reflection: what is the true cost of war, and how do we remember those who resisted it?
As London continues to evolve, the presence of Brian Haw’s statue is a reminder that protest, in all its forms, has a lasting impact. Whether passersby agree with his stance or not, they will now be unable to ignore the man who refused to be silenced, standing in perpetual opposition to the institution that chronicles the wars he fought so hard against.
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