The Tree of Life, a prominent Second World War memorial in Birmingham city centre, was removed from its site on Edgbaston Street on 28 July 2026 for restoration work. The sculpture, which has stood for nearly 21 years, commemorates the more than 9,000 casualties from 77 air raids during the Birmingham Blitz.
A Memorial of Peace and Remembrance
Designed by Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn, the bronze sculpture depicts a tree emerging from a rock with two outstretched hands holding the world above it, symbolising peace after the Second World War. It was unveiled near St Martin’s in the Bull Ring on 8 October 2005, donated to the city by the Halcyon Gallery in partnership with The Birmingham Air Raids Remembrance Association (BARRA) and Birmingham City Council.
The memorial honours the 2,241 known civilian deaths that occurred between 8 August 1940 and 23 April 1943, during the bombing campaign known as the Birmingham Blitz. The sculpture has been a focal point for annual remembrance services and daily reflection for residents and visitors alike.
Careful Restoration by Specialists
According to Birmingham City Council, the removal was necessary to allow for specialist restoration by Shropshire-based foundry Castle Foundry. The work will address wear and tear accumulated over two decades of exposure to the elements. City culture boss Councillor Deborah Harries stated: “Remembering those who lost their lives during conflict – whether civilians going about their daily lives or serving in our armed forces – is a vital 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 I look forward to seeing the Tree of Life memorial return restored in the autumn.”
A New Permanent Home
Once restoration is complete, the Tree of Life will not return to its original spot. Instead, it will be installed within a new memorial space next to St Martin’s in the Bull Ring, ahead of BARRA’s Annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving, scheduled for 10 October 2026. This relocation aims to provide a more peaceful and prominent setting for the memorial, ensuring it remains accessible for future generations.
Anita Ward, former Lord Mayor of Birmingham and chair of BARRA, said: “We warmly welcome the relocation of the Tree of Life Memorial to its new permanent home within a memorial garden at St Martin's in the Bull Ring. We sincerely thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this possible. This more prominent setting 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.”
Partnership and Community Support
The project involved collaboration between BARRA, Birmingham City Council, Halcyon Gallery, and Bullring & Grand Central. Dan Murphy, destination director of Bullring and Grand Central, commented: “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 will be re-installed in the autumn. Sitting it next to St Martin’s in the Bull Ring provides a more peaceful setting for people to come and remember and reflect all year round.”
The sculpture’s removal marks the first time it has been moved since its installation in 2005. The council has assured the public that the memorial will be returned in time for the autumn remembrance service, continuing its role as a symbol of peace and a tribute to those who lost their lives during the Birmingham Blitz.
