Covid memorial sculpture unveiled in Sheffield

The sculptor of the memorial, George King said its "delicate form of a weeping willow" represented how communities came together during the pandemic

A permanent memorial to those who died with Covid-19 and the unsung workers of the pandemic has been unveiled in Sheffield.

The sculpture representing a willow tree was chosen out of 14 entries after Sheffield City Council asked for submissions.

The artwork has been installed in Balm Green Gardens, near Barker's Pool.

Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Sioned-Mair Richards, said the sculpture would be a "special haven in the city".

"Somewhere like this, which is so beautiful in the middle of the city, is going to be very special for all those people who've lost somebody in the last few years," she added.

Council leader Terry Fox said the sculpture was in the "perfect place" for people to visit and reflect on the pandemic

According to the latest government figures, 1,921 people in Sheffield have died with Covid since March 2020.

Architect and sculptor George King said he hoped people would be proud of the piece, which had been "made in Sheffield for the people of Sheffield".

Mr King said it had been "an honour" to create the stainless steel sculpture and "a big responsibility".

Sculptor George King said: "Covid affected everyone, and we took this project seriously to reflect people's experiences."

Talking about the design of his Covid memorial Mr King said: "A willow has a strong trunk, which symbolises how people worked together to create the strength needed at such a difficult time."

He said quotes on the inside of the steel columns came from "memories and experiences of the pandemic" which had been collected on postcards.

"Local poets took fragments of them and tied them together into a single poem, so as you walk around the sculpture you experience a unique piece of literature," he said.

Mr King said in some cultures weeping willows were "a symbol of grief and also of growth and rebirth"

The artwork was unveiled by local dignitaries, including council leader Terry Fox, at about 13:00 GMT on Thursday.

Mr Fox said: "Covid-19 was difficult for everyone, but for some people its effects will last a lifetime.

"I really wanted this wonderful Sheffield sculpture to be here today for many of us to get a reflection and a bit of closure on Covid Memorial Day. It's just amazing and a very emotional day."

Paul Taylor, Sheffield Council's Covid memorial project lead said: "The site is perfect in terms of being near the cenotaph, being near the Women of Steel [statue].

He added: "It just feels like the right place to put a piece of public art in a nice garden for people to come and sit and reflect on the pandemic."

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