Measuring 36m in diameter, it features more than 100 flags made from hospital bed sheets arranged in the form of a medical symbol and is designed as a temporary memorial to those we have lost over the last 15 months. In Memoriam is also a tribute to frontline NHS staff and care workers who have constantly put their lives at risk during the ongoing pandemic.
Delivered by Harrogate International Festivals and supported by Hornbeam Park, Harrogate BID and Swainsons Funeral Directors, In Memoriam will be in situ from Friday, May 28 until Monday, June 7.
Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled that Harrogate is the first Yorkshire destination for this incredible touring art installation by Luke Jerram.
“Covid has impacted on the lives of absolutely everyone around the globe, and Luke has created In Memoriam with a dual purpose. Whilst being a temporary memorial to those who have lost their lives from coronavirus, it is also a fitting tribute to the NHS staff and care workers who have put their own lives at risk on a daily basis doing their jobs.
“We don’t want people to just look at In Memoriam from afar, we want people to experience it; we want individuals, families and friends to walk into the heart of it; we want them to sit under the flags and quietly reflect the events of the last 15 months.