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Large sculpture of a foot and other abstract objects

Paolozzi Manuscript of Monte Cassino


Eduardo Paolozzi's (1924 – 2005) powerful sculpture The Manuscript of Monte Cassino is located in front of St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral at the junction of Leith Street, Queen Street and Broughton Street.


Created in 1991, The Manuscript of Monte Cassino reflects Paolozzi's deep connection with Cassino and reflects on belonging and the impact of war. Although born in Leith, Paolozzi spent Summers with his grandparents in the Italian town of Cassino. Nearby Monte Cassino was the scene of a famous World War 2 battle with heavy losses, where Allied bombing destroyed a precious medieval abbey filled with priceless manuscripts and artefacts.


Paolozzi spent time imprisoned in Edinburgh as an enemy alien after Italy joined the war. He also lost his father, uncle and grandfather after the ship they were on as internees bound for Canada was bombed by German forces.


The Manuscript of Monte Cassino’s fragmented human forms broken up by geometric shapes look to capture war's devastating impact on people and cultural traditions.