The Leaves of the Trees – Westminster Abbey – 11th October 2022
Through the centre of the nave in Westminster Abbey 5,000 steel leaves each inscribed with the word ‘Hope’ lay scattered. The ‘Leaves of the Trees’ installation by sculptor Peter Walker, created a beautiful impression of fallen autumn leaves appearing as naturally scattered by the wind. The leaves were also part of a special service ‘Trees of Life’ at Westminster Abbey especially for representatives from the NHS, emergency services, key workers, and members of the public.
The service – led by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle – was organised in partnership with the National Forest Company and the National Memorial Arboretum to honour the bravery and dedication of those who served the nation throughout the pandemic and to remember lives lost to COVID-19.
The Dean opened the service by giving his heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic.
He said: “This is a moment of complex feelings. We measure the loss of over 200,000 lives, each one precious and particular. We bear that grief.”
Click on an image below for a larger version:
In the press: