LONDON (UK) – Prominent artist Nicola Ravenscroft, who has graduated from Camberwall School of Art, has been recently commissioned to create a memorial honouring the relentless work of frontline NHS and care workers, in the fight against COVID. The project, conceptualised by anti-poverty campaigner Nic Careem, is being backed by Health Minister Matt Hancock.
An elated Nicola Ravenscroft says that she is deeply honoured to be commissioned by Nic Careem, parliamentarians like Dean Russell MP and Lord Rami Ranger.
Her sculpture installation titled ‘With the Heart of Child’ was part of a project, which delved into the extent to which arts plays a role in primary education. She has had the history of inspiring umpteen number of people, which includes her husband Raphael Ravenscroft. Tim Watts, assistant director of music at St John’s College, Cambridge has also recently talked about how he drew inspiration from her works.
She was invited last year to take charge of a life-size bronze commission of Anne Frank (and friend), titled ‘Tender Poetic Friendship’. It is slated to be unveiled in Westminster. However, COVID has suspended work for ‘Tender Poetic Friendship’.
Westminster visionary Nic Careem approached her to ideate for the memorial. Nic, who has previously worked on memorials for Nelson Mandela and Anne Frank, has also involved Dean Russell MP, along with Matt Hancock. The 13ft bronze sculpture will honour all NHS and social care heroes, who lost their lives because of COVID. It will also have an imprint of a few of their names in the form of a very beautiful book of remembrance.
She says that she felt a sense of deep sadness, when she was first invited to come up with a concept, as she got reminded of the hard times that the world is in. She also talked about how the frontline workers have rendered their service selflessly. She adds that she often thought about the tomb of the unknown warrior and it evoked a sense of gratitude in her. She says that she felt the need to give life to something that honoured those on the frontline who devoted their time to save the lives of others. It also brought back gratitude and hope, and equally celebrated this truth. Nicola wanted their collective sacrifice to live, taking everyone into our future; a new life, their new life.