A Tree of Yorkshire Birds
Organ donation Wall Sculpture for Bradford Royal Infirmary
The Tree of Life has been used throughout time to infer immortality and regeneration. We have taken this vital representation of life and created a sculptural wall artwork to be permanently displayed as an uplifting memorial to organ donors. The tree is created in aged copper, depicting its autumn state. Birds gather amongst its branches as if clandestine fruits, bringing new life and replacing leaves already fallen.
The birds flying around the exterior of the tree appear in brighter coloured verdigris metal, fitted with hidden spacers for depth, symbolising those who have received a new organ and therefore can now escape from the confines of their declining health, enjoying the freedom that this entails.
This public artwork is created specifically for the NHS hospital in Bradford and therefore we have chosen birds native to rural areas around this city in Yorkshire. Birds featured are: - Blue Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Little Owl, Long Tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Swallow, Thrush and Wren.
AWARD WINNING DESIGN
Gold Winner at the International Architecture & Design Awards 2023 – click here for more information.
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“This is both brilliant and poignant at the same time. Thank you for creating this fantastic memorial. It really is a lovely way of thanking our organ and tissue donors over the years.”
Razdy Igasan, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation.
Emmerdale actress Kitty McGeever was waiting for a second transplant but sadly passed away five years ago at Bradford Royal Infirmary before she could receive it. Kitty remarkably then donated her organs to help others. Kitty’s sister, Caroline Mitchell, said:
“The ‘Tree/Gift of Life’ memorial is a beautiful reminder of the generous gift that my sister Kitty and so many thousands of organ donors have made so that someone else may live a happy and healthy life after their death. It feels to me to be the ultimate act of love for a stranger they will never meet. The tree and cycle of birth and death felt very fitting and signifies the ongoing life force that continues because of organ donation long after our loved ones pass away. We as a family are grateful to Bradford Royal Infirmary for remembering and acknowledging the selfless acts made by so many families and their much loved relatives who have tragically had their lives cut short. It is really very beautiful and life affirming. We sincerely thank you.”