Statue of Betty Campbell

The Statue of Betty Campbell is a bronze sculpture in Central Square that depicts a woman's head and shoulders forming a protective canopy over ten children engaged in play and study. The children's feet gradually transition into a detailed streetscape of the neighborhood, connecting the figures with their surroundings.

The monument was unveiled in 2021, marking a significant moment in Welsh history as the nation's first outdoor statue of a named woman. It honors Betty Campbell, who broke barriers as the first black headteacher in Wales and as an educational pioneer in her community.

The sculpture incorporates recognizable buildings from Tiger Bay, such as the Pierhead Building and Wales Millennium Centre, woven into the bronze composition. These local references make the work speak to the community's identity and give visitors a sense of place rooted in the neighborhood's character.

The artwork sits in central Cardiff and is easily accessible on foot, with built-in bronze seating at its base where visitors can linger and examine the fine details up close. The open location makes it accessible at any time without any registration or special arrangements needed.

The base of the sculpture reveals a detailed miniature landscape of the Tiger Bay neighborhood, into which the children's feet gradually merge. This subtle design creates a visual narrative that connects multiple generations and the spatial history of the area.

Location: Cardiff

Inception: 2021

Creator: Eve Shepherd

GPS coordinates: 51.47745,-3.17956

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:56