Fred Kormis (September 20, 1894 – May 12, 1986)[1] was a German sculptor. Kormis gained recognition for his bronze portrait medallions. Amongst a total of 41 pieces exhibited at Royal Academy the subjects included Edward VIII, Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin.[2] Examples of his medallions are to be found in the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum and the Royal Collection.[3]
He married Rachel Sender, sister of Tony Sender.
He was keen to make a memorial to prisoners of war including victims of the concentration camps. Thanks to a family bequest he was able to start work on the five figures. His friend Reg Freeson, then leader of Brent Council, helped him find a home for them in Gladstone Park, London. Eventually the five figures were unveiled on May 11, 1969.[2]