Brothers In Arms Memorial

After learning of the tragic story of John and Jim Hunter, I was determined to design a memorial in memory of these brothers.

Of the tragic moment of John’s death in Jim’s arms, the artist Sören Hawkes had already drawn a picture. Johan Vandewalle who had unearthed John Hunter and told me his story handed me this drawing. I didn’t hesitate for a second and integrated the drawing into my design. For realization, a sculptor will be asked to elaborate this drawing as a sculpture.

I placed the sculpture at the end of a 66-foot pedestal.

This pedestal symbolizes the dividing line between the two worlds of the warring nations. A dividing line between war and peace. The horror of war and the struggle for peace can each be experienced at the far end of the memorial.

In addition, the long pedestal symbolizes Jim’s desolate path. After John died, Jim walked this inconsolable path throughout his life until he was finally reunited with his brother after his death. The two intertwined circles on the other end of the long pedestal symbolize the final eternal union of the two brothers and, in fact, all brothers who have lost each other in all the world’s wars.

To commemorate all these brothers, a memorial drive was also designed in the park. Under the hornbeams, name plates in bluestone will be laid with the incised names of many brothers who lost each other in all the wars of the world. At the beginning of this memorial drive, there will be a permanent and memorial flame burning.

In doing so, the Brothers-In-Arms Memorial sends a universal message of peace into the world.

A story of peace and the eternal union of all brothers who lost each other in many wars.

Realisation

Findings

Greetings Andy,

That was (is) an unforgettable experience and I was awe struck by the thought and complexity that you incorporated into the memorial. Everything is so coordinated and representative, yet also invokes a great sense of peace, such that it seems perfect. It gave me goosebumps and I must return to see it again. I have since looked at your website and you appear to have a knack of creating both open and closed spaces totally appropriate to the situation. I’m proud to have met you.

Anthony Attwood