The Postman’s Park in the City of London, which is home to a famous wall of memorials to those that have given their lives whilst saving the lives of others, could gain an NHS memorial, after initial plans were approved by the City’s Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee.
The new memorial would not be part of the famous wall of tiles — officially the G.F. Watts’ Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice — but would be a revamped sundial to replace a sundial that already exists in the park.
There are a couple of reasons for not putting an addition to the wall of memorial tiles.
Firstly, the City doesn’t actually own the memorial wall, it’s owned by the Diocese of London and maintained by the Vicar and Churchwardens of St Botolph’s Without Aldersgate. Secondly, just over a decade ago it was also decided that no new memorials would be added, following the addition of the 48th panel, as that to keep doing so would detract from its historic, cultural and aesthetic significance.
As plans by the City therefore couldn’t involve the memorial wall itself, they’re planning that the existing sundial plinth in the middle of the planted garden is refurbished and that a newly designed sundial be installed. There are also plans to engrave the paving stones in the park.
The City of London says it is considering a competition for young artists and sculptors to design the memorial, which would include a sundial, which sits in the middle of the park, and proposals for engravings of individual paving stones.
Officers from its Open Spaces division will now consult with all partners in the project, before a final decision is taken.
A nice idea, which if done tastefully will only enhance this enchanted pocket of London.