Victory Over Blindness

What it is

Victory Over Blindness is a bronze sculpture installed in Manchester, England, depicting seven life-size figures of blinded soldiers marching in a line. Created by artist Johanna Domke-Guyot, the monument commemorates the centenary of the First World War and specifically honours soldiers who lost their sight during the conflict. The work stands as a tribute to the resilience of blind veterans and references the St Dunstan's charity, now Blind Veterans UK, which supported them. It was unveiled in 2018 and represents an important piece of public commemorative art in the city centre.

Checked 2026-08-26

What's inside

The monument consists of seven bronze figures arranged in a procession, each depicting a blinded soldier from the First World War. The soldiers are shown with hands on the shoulders of the man in front, illustrating the technique used by visually impaired individuals to navigate. The figures are life-size and rendered with considerable detail. The sculpture is installed at ground level rather than on a plinth, allowing visitors to approach closely and interact with the work at eye level. The composition emphasises solidarity and mutual support among the men.

Checked 2026-08-26

How long to spend

A visit to Victory Over Blindness requires only a brief stop, typically five to fifteen minutes, as it is an outdoor public sculpture without an enclosed exhibition space. Visitors may choose to spend additional time examining the bronze figures in detail, reading any nearby interpretive information, or reflecting on the monument's historical significance. The duration depends entirely on personal interest. Many visitors incorporate this stop into a broader walking tour of Manchester's city centre public art and memorials, rather than making a dedicated journey.

Checked 2026-08-26

Season and crowds

As an outdoor public sculpture, Victory Over Blindness is accessible at all times of day and throughout the year. There are no gates, doors, or barriers restricting access. Operator-confirmed hours are Not recorded pending review. Visitors should consider Manchester's variable weather conditions, which can include rain at any season. Daylight hours offer better visibility for examining the bronze figures and any surrounding contextual information. The sculpture is illuminated after dark, permitting evening visits. No seasonal closures apply to this permanent installation.

Checked 2026-08-26

Tickets

Victory Over Blindness is a free public monument with no admission charge. There are no tickets required to view or approach the sculpture. Operator-confirmed prices are Not recorded pending review, though public sculptures of this nature customarily impose no fees. Visitors do not need to book in advance. The work stands in an open public space without controlled access points. Any organised tours that include this stop as part of a broader itinerary may carry separate charges, but the monument itself remains freely accessible to all.

Checked 2026-08-26

Getting there

The sculpture is located in Manchester city centre near Piccadilly Station, one of the city's principal railway terminals. Visitors arriving by train can walk from the station concourse. The Manchester Metrolink tram network serves Piccadilly and nearby St Peter's Square. Multiple bus routes operate through the city centre. Drivers should note that central Manchester has limited on-street parking and operates a paid parking zone. The exact pedestrian route from transport hubs is not recorded. The sculpture's ground-level installation makes it accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility requirements.

Checked 2026-08-26

What to watch out for

The sculpture's ground-level placement means visitors share the immediate space with pedestrians passing through this busy city centre location. Awareness of surrounding foot traffic is advisable. Bronze surfaces may become slippery in wet weather. The figures are designed for close approach but visitors should exercise appropriate respect for a war memorial. No protective barriers separate the public from the artwork, so personal belongings should be kept secure in this high-footfall area. The emotional weight of the subject matter, depicting soldiers' permanent disability from warfare, may affect some visitors.

Checked 2026-08-26

Photography

Photography of Victory Over Blindness is permitted as an outdoor public artwork. The ground-level perspective allows for unusual photographic angles, including eye-level shots with the figures. The bronze material responds variously to different lighting conditions, from direct sun to overcast skies. The urban surroundings include modern buildings and passing pedestrians, which may appear in backgrounds. Visitors should be mindful that this is a war memorial when choosing poses and compositions. No flash restrictions apply. Night photography is possible given the sculpture's illumination. Tripod use may attract attention in this busy pedestrian zone.

Checked 2026-08-26

Where it is

• 45 min

  5 min walk

  Alan Turing Memorial

  • Must see
  • Historic monument
• 1 hour

  5 min walk

  Whitworth Gardens

  • High
  • Nature site
• 1 hour

  6 min walk

  Wellington Statue

  • High · Heritage site
  • Art and culture venue

External links

• View on Wikidata