The sculpture, commissioned by the University, portrays a man and woman embracing across barbed wire and was originally unveiled in 1977 as Reunion by Nobel Peace Prize winner Sean McBride. It was taken back to the sculptor's workshop for repairs and restoration work recently and at the request of the University's Peace Studies Department, was renamed Reconciliation. Josefina de Vasconcellos, an Honorary Graduate of the University, said: "I'm very glad they've asked for the change of name, it seems very appropriate in the current world climate.
"The sculpture was originally conceived in the aftermath of the War. Europe was in shock, people were stunned. I read in a newspaper about a woman who crossed Europe on foot to find her husband, and I was so moved that I made the sculpture. Then I thought that it wasn't only about the reunion of two people but hopefully a reunion of nations which had been fighting."
The ceremony comes in the year when the University's Peace Studies Department, whose staff are constantly called to help in the mediation process in conflicts across the globe, celebrates its 21st anniversary.
Other works by Josefina de Vasconcellos include Mary and Child in St Paul's Cathedral, the National Memorial to the Battle of Britain at Aldershot, and pieces in the cathedrals of Norwich, Liverpool, Gloucester and Blackburn, and art galleries in this country and America.
Among those present at the ceremony were past Vice-Chancellors, Professor Ted Edwards and Professor John West and their wives, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-Principal Dr Robert McKinley and Adam Curle, first Professor of Peace Studies. After the unveiling Ms de Vasconcelles who is still creating works at her studio in Ambleside cut a birthday cake and received a bouquet from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Johns.