VISITORS are invited to walk and move amongst 300 life-sized NHS inspired figures which will be on display from Monday 11 October until Friday 29 October 2021 in Coventry’s Coombe Abbey Park.
The installation is the work of ‘Standing with Giants’, a not-for-profit organisation based in Oxfordshire, founded by artist, Dan Barton, and enabled by a team of dedicated community volunteers who have worked tirelessly this summer to create this poignant and epic tribute.
The unique figures are all created from upcycled composite aluminium boards and attached to steel frames and took the team three months to produce.
The backs of the figures are painted black to symbolise remembrance, with a white face mask to represent the harsh realities of Covid-19.
Visitors are given the opportunity to write their own thoughts and reflections on the backs of the silhouettes using a (provided) paint pen.
Following a successful launch in Oxford in July, the installation will be making its way around the country – starting with Coventry.
“We are so excited to be visiting Coventry,” said Dan.
“Especially with it being the City of Culture this year.
“This is such a worthy and timely project and follows our ethos of remembering those who have given their lives for the freedom of others.
“We have been overwhelmed by the amazing reactions from visitors, the heartfelt stories, the obvious need to grieve, and just the enormous positive energy towards the project”.
Coventry City Council are supporting Standing with Giants by hosting the outdoor exhibition at its Coombe Abbe Park venue.
Coun Abdul Salam Khan, deputy leader of the Council said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing the display close up.
“It is a fitting way to recognise the efforts of all key workers during the difficult months of the COVID pandemic and I’m sure local people will value the chance to see the exhibit while at the park.”
