Coventry Cathedral Ruins
Sculpture by Josefina de Vasconcellos
placed in Coventry Cathedral ruins in
1995, 50 years after the end of WWII
For a short period of time this sculpture
was moved to the new cathedral for safekeeping
while the floor of the old cathedral was being restored.
The wording reads:
Reconciliation
In 1995, 50 years after the end of the Second World War
this sculpture by Josefina de Vasconcellos has been
given by Richard Branson as a token of reconciliation.
An identical sculpture has been placed on behalf
of the people of Coventry in the Peace Garden, Hiroshima, Japan.
Both sculptures remind us that, in the face of destructive forces,
human dignity and love will triumph over disaster
and bring nations together in respect and peace.
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Note: These photographs were taken on different days,
hence, the variety in weather conditions.
**
For more information about this sculpture,
originally named 'Reunion',
please follow the link HERE.
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PS. Happy Valentine's Day :)
11 comments:
What an impressive sculpture. It must be incredible to walk among the ruins and see that sculpture sitting there. Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours.
What a setting!
Most war memorials or sculptures feature some general or other officer, often riding a horse, looking like a god, when the reality is the general was probably sitting back at HQ drinking beer and playing cards. Apologies to all general officers to whom this does not apply. The point is that wars are won by grunts in foxholes or on deck or in flying machines. And so these memorials almost always glorify war.
This sculpture is, contrarily, what war really looks like. People beat to their knees, weeping in each other's arms for the loss of their home, their children, their livelihood, their future. A powerful and most appropriate sculpture!
I shall add that I realize my comment does not match with the "reconciliation" theme and again extend my apologies. But I love the sculpture for what it says to me and it speaks to me of the unbearable sadness always brought by war.
What a powerful sculpture!
A very moving sculpture. Beautiful!
What a beautiful and meaningful sculpture. Was that Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic fame who donated the schultpure?
Thank you for your kind comments.
Lowell - No apologies necessary. The location of this sculpture in the bombed ruins of Coventry Cathedral underscores the message this sculpture delivers. I always enjoy reading your honest views.
Sharon - Yes. The gift was made before Richard Branson was knighted.
LOL, the sculpture fits its location wonderfully. Most poignant.
I liked the sculpture straight away Lauren but even more so when I read the artist's inspiration for making it.
Beautiful. I love her work.
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