The Tree of Life memorial, commemorating the thousands of civilians killed during the Birmingham Blitz in the Second World War, has been installed in its new home today, 8 October 2026. The city endured 77 air raids between 8 August 1940 and 23 April 1943, resulting in over 9,000 casualties and 2,241 civilian deaths.
Originally unveiled on 8 October 2005 on Edgbaston Street, the bronze sculpture, created by artist Lorenzo Quinn, has undergone restoration over the summer. It now stands in a specially created memorial garden adjacent to St Martin's in the Bull Ring church.
Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture at Birmingham City Council, stated: “Remembering those who lost their lives during conflict is a part of our history, which should not be forgotten. Ensuring our public art and memorials are well maintained is part of that tradition of honouring those lives lost, and the Tree of Life memorial looks great in its new memorial garden, next to St Martin’s in the Bull Ring.”
The sculpture, a symbol of peace after the war, was donated to the city by the Halcyon Gallery in partnership with the Birmingham Air Raids Remembrance Association (BARRA) and Birmingham City Council.
The relocation precedes BARRA’s Annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving, scheduled for Saturday (10 October 2026) at 11am. The service will be followed by an official unveiling of the restored memorial.
Anita Ward, Chair of BARRA and former Lord Mayor, expressed delight: “We are delighted that the Tree of Life Memorial has now been installed in its new permanent home next to St Martin’s in the Bullring. The memorial’s more prominent site will ensure that the memory of those who lost their lives during the Birmingham Blitz remains visible and accessible to future generations – providing a space for reflection, remembrance and contemplation in the heart of our city.”
Dan Murphy, Destination Director of Bullring and Grand Central, added: “We have been working with BARRA, Birmingham City Council and Halcyon Gallery to create an appropriate new setting for the Tree of Life memorial, where it now sits next to St Martin’s in the Bull Ring providing a more peaceful place for people to come and remember and reflect all year round.”
