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 on Edgbaston Street, near the Bull Ring Markets, on 8 October 2005.

Now, after 21 years, it has returned after being restored over the summer, to take root in a special memorial garden, next to St Martin’s in the Bull Ring church.

Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “Remembering those who lost their lives during conflict is a 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 the Tree of Life memorial looks great in its new memorial garden, next to St Martin’s in the Bull Ring.”

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.

Now restoration work has been completed, it has now been 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 Saturday (10 October 2026).

All are welcome to attend the service, which begins at 11am, and will be followed by an official unveiling of the Tree of Life Memorial.

Anita Ward, Chair of BARRA and former Lord Mayor, said: “We are delighted that the Tree of Life Memorial has now been installed in its new permanent home next to St Martin’s in the Bullring. 

“The memorial’s more prominent site 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.

“This is something BARRA’s wanted since the Tree of Life was first created, so to see it in the new memorial garden is fantastic.  Thank you to everyone involved for their help in achieving this.”

Dan Murphy, Destination 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 now sits next to St Martin’s in the Bull Ring providing a more peaceful place for people to come and remember and reflect all year round.”