During the Birmingham Blitz, between 8 August 1940 and 23 April 1943, the city was subjected to 77 air raids, resulting in more than 9,000 casualties and 2,241 civilian deaths.
The Tree of Life - created by artist Lorenzo Quinn following a campaign by Birmingham Air Raids Remembrance Association (BARRA) for a permanent memorial - was unveiled near St Martin’s in the Bull Ring on 8 October 2005.
Now, after nearly 21 years, it has been removed from its spot on Edgbaston Street, near the Bull Ring Markets, and will be restored by Shropshire-based specialists Castle Foundry.
Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “Remembering those who lost their lives during conflict – whether civilians going about their daily lives or serving in our armed forces – is a vital part of our history, which should not be forgotten.
“Ensuring our public art and memorials are well maintained is part of that tradition of honouring those lives lost, and I look forward to seeing the Tree of Life memorial return restored in the autumn.”
The bronze sculpture was donated to the city by the Halcyon Gallery, in partnership with BARRA and Birmingham City Council. It depicts a tree emerging from a rock with two outstretched hands holding the world above it, symbolising peace after the Second World War.
After restoration work is completed, is set to be installed within a new memorial space next to St Martin’s in the Bull Ring, ahead of BARRA’s Annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving – which this year will be held on 10 October.
Anita Ward, former Lord Mayor and Chair of BARRA, said: “We warmly welcome the relocation of the Tree of Life Memorial to its new permanent home within a memorial garden at St Martin's in the Bull Ring. We sincerely thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this possible.
“This more prominent setting will ensure that the memory of those who lost their lives during the Birmingham Blitz remains visible and accessible to future generations – providing a space for reflection, remembrance and contemplation in the heart of our city.”
Dan Murphy, Desitnation Director of Bullring and Grand Central, added: “We have been working with BARRA, Birmingham City Council and Halcyon Gallery to create an appropriate new setting for the Tree of Life memorial where it will be re-installed in the autumn. Siting it next to St Martin’s in the Bull Ring provides a more peaceful setting for people to come and remember and reflect all year round.”
