Art / News

Poignant memorial to Somme dead on College Green

By Martin Booth  Friday Nov 11, 2016

On the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 19,240 British servicemen lost their lives.

It is a number that is difficult to comprehend, but an art installation now in place on College Green gives some sense of the scale of the tragedy.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

Shrouds of the Somme was created by Somerset artist Rob Heard who wrapped and bound 19,240 figures in a hand-stitched shroud, crossing the name of every soldier who fell off a list sourced from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The installation was first on display in Exeter and is in Bristol until November 18. At 11am on Friday, November 11, Armistice Day will be commemorated within the memorial, with all members of the public able to attend.

Shrouds of the Somme marks the centenary of one of the bloodiest battles in history and remembering all 127,751 British soldiers who lost their lives

“The Shrouds, along with the Poppies at the Tower, are perhaps the most memorable WWI commemorations this country has ever seen,” says project manager Mel Bradley

Donations from the exhibition will be donated to the Bristol branch of the SSAFA, supporting servicemen, veterans and their families in times of need

All of the names of the fallen soldiers from the first day of the Battle of the Somme are on display in a tent on College Green

For more information, visit www.thesomme19240.co.uk

 

Read more: An old statue, a new statue and tiny statues

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning