Name/TitleBirkenhead War Memorial Design (Holding Wreath and Palm)
About this objectPlaster cast of female figure from Birkenhead War Memorial. The memorial itself was originally built to commemorate soldiers who lost their lives in WWI. It is adorned with two female figures on either side. One figure is holding a wreath whilst the other is holding a medallion.
This figure holds a wreath in her right hand. This is likely an immortelle, a longer-lasting wreath made from dried flowers, plaster, or ceramics, a common item for mourners to leave on graves. In her left hand, she holds a palm branch. Most famously, palms were used to symbolise martyr burials in Christian history, they have also been associated with peace and have commonly been used alongside the Greek goddess Victory (a common motif in WWI commemoration).
The memorial itself was designed by Lionel Budden (who also designed the Liverpool Cenotaph), whilst the sculptor was George Herbert Tyson Smith. Both are mostly known for their work in creating war memorials across the North West.
MakerTyson Smith, George Herbert (1883-1972)
Maker Rolesculptor
Date Madec. 1925
Period20th century
Techniqueplaster
Measurementssculpture height: 128 cm
sculpture width: 40 cm
Subject and Association KeywordsFirst World War
Subject and Association Keywordswar
Subject and Association KeywordsBirkenhead War Memorial, England
