Barnet hosts landmark Holocaust exhibition » Local Government » 24dash.com

A unique art installation designed to commemorate the six million victims of the Holocaust and other genocides is coming to London for the first time this month - and will be located in Barnet from 21 January until 1 February.

The work, entitled '6 Million +', comprises more than six million buttons, and was commissioned by Kirklees Museums and Galleries and created in partnership with Leeds-based artist Antonia Stowe, to indicate the industrial scale of the genocide which resulted in more than six million Jews being killed during World War II, as well as more recent genocides in the Balkans and Africa.

It will be showcased at Brent Cross Shopping Centre for a two-week period this month to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, which falls on 27 January. Visitors to the centre can come and reflect on the artwork and speak to survivors of the atrocities, who will be helping to staff the exhibition.

The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Maureen Braun, said: "The '6 Million +' exhibition is an extremely moving and visual way of appreciating the full horror of what happened during the Holocaust and I encourage as many residents as possible to visit Brent Cross, see the installation and talk to survivors.

"It is now nearly 63 years since the end of World War II but events elsewhere in the world today in 2008 show that sadly we have not learnt the lessons of the past. I invite residents to reflect with me on the horrors of the last century and look forward with hope for the future."

Tom Nathan, General Manager at Brent Cross, said: "The Holocaust and subsequent atrocities have touched the lives of so many, and we are honoured to be able to mark Holocaust Memorial Day through the debut of the '6 Million +' exhibition in London.

"We are siting the exhibit in an area which allows for quiet reflection and hope many visitors will take advantage to interact with and be moved by this wonderful display."

For more information, members of the public can call the council's Civic Events Officer on 020 8359 2493.