Boris Johnson unveiling Since 9/11 sculpture at Queen Elizabeth Park. Pic: Sebastian Kettley

A sculpture made from the steel wreckage of the World Trade Centre was unveiled in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this afternoon to commemorate the victims of 9/11.

Since 9/11 by American artist Miya Ando, was briefly exhibited for a month in Battersea Park in 2011, but SINCE 9/11, the charity who commissioned the work have struggled to find a permanent home for it until now.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson who unveiled the artwork, said it was “not easy” to find a permanent home for the sculpture.

“For many people in London there was something shocking [about the artwork]. The objectors and naysayers were failing to grasp the message,” he said.

US Ambassador, Matthew Barzun, echoed Johnson’s words, describing the five-year process of finding a spot for the artwork.

“It was hard work, often frustrating work, but ultimately it worked,” he said.

“We don’t always agree. We listen. We learn. We respect each other. It demands we work hard everyday.”

The Mayor of London described the setting for the installation as a “magical” Olympic setting that united the world before and should continue to do so.

David Cameron, who was not present for the unveiling, left a message for the audience at the Olympic Park, describing the 9/11 attack as devastating and barbaric and “something that will never be forgotten.”

Ando, a post-minimalist artist, said her inspiration for the piece was to create something that showed transformation.

“The form was created by the tragedy so I polished part of it into a mirror, hoping that the object would dematerialise.”

The artist said she was grateful that the sculpture had found a permanent home that was appropriate.