Eternal Bond

Memorial for Children, Royal Hospital for Women’s Park, Paddington.

Eternal Bond is a representation of the intimate connection between parent and child. The memorial consists of a series of modular elements composed in two sinuous forms that gently meet and embrace each other.

The memorial is sited beneath existing trees in the centre of the park. The siting of the memorial, framed by the canopy of trees builds on the existing use of this part of the park as an informal gathering and meeting place.

The design is an assemblage of modular strips of steel plate 10mm thick and 40mm wide, repeated to form a sinuous bench structure. The steel plate strips are bent to create rectangular forms with rounded edges that create seating when placed side by side. On the inside surface of the rectangular strips is inscribed messages of remembrance and hope.

The memorial is a place of contemplation, reflection and celebration. The design encourages visitors to interact with the bench-like form. Individuals can sit, lie and play on and through the structure.  Where the two forms touch and overlap is the focus of the memorial, where tokens of remembrance may be placed.