REVERENCE MONUMENT

November 2021

In November 2021, Barnsley made sure they will never forget those who lost their lives during the pandemic.

A bronze memorial sculpture was unveiled in Barnsley town centre to commemorate local people who have lost their lives to Covid-19 during the pandemic.

‘Reverence’ features seven figures cast in bronze, including a young girl, older man, volunteer, nurse, carer, police officer and a teacher.

The figures span all generations and communities and represent people who have been affected by the pandemic. The unique artwork has been created by acclaimed sculptor Graham Ibbeson in collaboration with Lockbund Foundry, with poet Ian McMillan providing the sculpture’s emotive words which read: ‘Barnsley’s fierce love holds you forever in its heart’.

Guests included HM Lord-Lieutenant Professor Dame Hilary Chapman, Lord Bishop John Sentamu, local MPs and members of Barnsley Council joined bereaved families, key workers and members of the public in Barnsley’s new Glass Works square for the unveiling ceremony.

The sculpture was one of the first permanent Covid memorials in the world and is unique because it features ordinary working people who are ‘hugely under-represented in public art’, according to leaders behind the scheme.

Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said: “This memorial project is an enduring work of art to remember those we’ve lost and to commemorate the incredible efforts of those that worked, and continue to work, so tirelessly to look after us and keep our communities going.

“It is a tribute to the real heroes of the pandemic, the ordinary working people of Barnsley and the country as a whole. “Working people as a group are vastly under-represented in public art and we are proud to be at the forefront of recognising them in this sculpture.”

It still sits in the Glass Works square to this day and is a fitting reminder about what has happened over the past few years.

The wonderful sculpture should be seen as the perfect way to remember everyone we’ve all lost.

It’s not just about those who have died, it’s about those who gave their lives to supporting residents.

NHS workers, teachers, supermarket workers - every single one of them put their all into keeping us safe.

Without them, who knows where we’d be right now?