This bust, created in 1937, was the centrepiece of a monument erected in 1942 by Finsbury Council and designed by Russian architect Berthold Lubetkin. The bust itself came from the Soviet Embassy. The monument stood in Holford Square, looking towards number 30, where Lenin had lived in 1902-3.

When Russia became Britain's ally in World War Two, Finsbury Council, a socialist borough, planned the monument as a symbol of friendship.

Some thought that communism should not be celebrated and the bust was vandalised. When it was moved to Islington Town Hall, red paint was thrown over it twice. It became one of the symbols of what the press call a 'Looney Left' council in the 1980s.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.

Scanned : Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan)