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In Memoriam by Luke Jerram
08/05/2021 - 16/05/2021
Free
BrumYODO and Birmingham Hippodrome present
In Memoriam by Luke Jerram
8th – 16th May at Aston Park, Birmingham
In Memoriam is a new touring artwork by internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram. The installation is a temporary memorial for the public to visit and commemorate those who have died from COVID-19.
Featuring 120 flags made from bed sheets and arranged in the form of a medical logo, In Memoriam is also a tribute to NHS health and care workers who have been risking their lives during the pandemic.
Luke Jerram says:
“It’s great to be bringing In Memoriam to Birmingham for the first time and I hope the installation is of value to people who have been affected by the pandemic.
“Not many people have been able to grieve properly, with loved ones unable to visit their relatives in hospitals, funerals cancelled and places of worship and community closed. So there’s a massive need for an artwork that can help us grieve for those we’ve lost.”
BrumYODO and Birmingham Hippodrome are proud to have partnered this year, to bring the installation to the people of Birmingham.
The installation can be seen from within the flags or from a distance, so please help us to continue to be mindful of everyone and respect social distancing and others as you move through the space.
Visitors are also requested to respect the fact that this installation is a memorial for quiet reflection. Please note that children must be accompanied.
Presented in the open air, In Memoriam is intended to be an evocative symbol of local, national and international solidarity. Creating a space for people to contemplate, connect and explore the artwork, whilst adhering to social distancing regulations.
For more information on why we felt we should bring ‘In Memoriam’ to Birmingham please see our blog post.
‘In Memoriam’ forms the basis of our Matter of Life and Death festival this year. There are a number of online events taking place as well as a citywide, community flag making activity. To take part in the flag making activity read our ‘Make A Flag’ webpage, and see our events diary for details of other events.
About the Artist
Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in the UK but working internationally since 1997, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe. www.lukejerram.com ; www.memoriamartwork.com
Visitor Information
Date, time, address
Saturday 8th May – Sunday 16th May 2021
Timings: 9am – 6pm each day
Open air installation in Aston Park, Trinity Road, Birmingham B6 6JD
Free to attend, no booking required – capacities will be managed.
On Sunday 9 May join us for a flag making workshop between 11am and 4pm. Places do not need to be booked, but please be aware you may need to wait for a space.
On Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 May, the Stable Yard Cafe at Aston Hall will be open for takeaways with a BBQ , from 11am-6pm. Public toilet facilities will only be available during this period.
Site access
The installation is wheelchair accessible via hard-standing public footpaths leading onto the grassed installation site.
Accessibility to this site may be impacted in severe weather conditions with the grassed areas affected.
Additional Information about the Site
We welcome assistance dogs to the installation location; water will also be available on site for dogs if required.
Audio description is available – a device with mobile internet connection is needed. Simply scan a QR code on arrival to access.
Parking and Blue badge Parking
The installation is located less than 50m from the nearest car parking within the park, this includes blue badge parking.
Key Safety Information
Please follow instructions given by site staff and security personnel. Be aware of additional safety signage while visiting.
As it’s outdoors facemasks are not compulsory but you may be asked to wear one by on site staff if it becomes busy and we ask you to respect social distancing at all times.
Hand sanitiser will be available and please follow Covid safety instructions.
In Memoriam at Aston Park is:
In Memoriam in Birmingham is presented by ‘A Matter of Life & Death Festival’ managed by BrumYODO, and Birmingham Hippodrome.
The project is supported by Birmingham City Council, Aston Hall and funded by Arts Council England and Without Walls. Sponsored by A Natural Undertaking.
Commissioned by the Weston Arts + Health Weekender. Supported by Without Walls and FESTIVAL.ORG. Informed by the Wellcome Trust-funded ‘Weather Lives’ project, led by Dr Cassie Phoenix at Durham University.
