National memorial sculpture commission,
honouring the NHS and healthcare workers who
gave their lives on the covid front line
Nicola Ravenscroft
“I remember that the first emotion I felt when invited to come up with a concept, was one of deep sadness. I mused on the sacrificial hearts of so many, courageous, innocent, and now silent. I kept returning in my mind to the tomb of the unknown warrior and in fiery gratitude, I knew that I must give LIFE to something that not only honoured those on the front line who sacrificed their futures to save the lives of others, but that simultaneously, and in ongoing gratitude and hope, celebrated this truth. I wanted their collective sacrifice to live singing into our future; a new life, their new life”
You Laid Your Love For Those In Life
Your Sleep Is Not In Vain
bronze and clay
and gratitude
a song
whispering memories
the breath
the love
of those who breathed their life into our future
tender symbolism
two trees touching
intricate as one,
soaring ancient beyond the now
victorious and brave
leaves
forged in kindness
love
and molten burning-bronze
refining fire and prayer,
sunlight-scintillating
breathing air
and rain
shining
holding tears
roots
interwinding long
and deep earth-holding firm
pathfinding-future
lain on stone
and then
two youngling children
sit in simple-dappled shade
and light
small
slender-sweet
and laughing
on tomorrow’s fragile edge
our gracious Earth
granite-igneous
and young
and agéd ocean-smooth
now holds your song
the stories
air
your breath
you laid your love for those in life
your sleep is not in vain