An NHS-inspired installation made of 120 hospital bed sheets has been erected outside the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich as a memorial to those who have died in the Covid-19 pandemic.
The poignant artwork, titled 'In Memoriam' has been installed in Woolwich Common as part of the ongoing Greenwich and Docklands International Festival.
Created by Luke Jerram, the artist said the flag installation "commemorates all the people we have lost and is also a tribute to all the NHS and key workers."
"I'm hoping the artwork will help some people with the grieving process," he added.
"There's been a lot of grief. The country is in a grieving process. I'm hoping this artwork may be of use to people to contemplate the pandemic but also to help with the bereavement."
Jerram said he bought the bed sheets - which resemble a medical cross logo from the air - and "stitched" them up.
Angela Helleur, the chief nurse of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, was there for the unveiling alongside council leader Danny Thorpe and others.
In Memoriam is on display at outside the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Woolwich Common in London before it moves to Norwich, Newbury and Bournemouth.
The work, "a memorial for quiet reflection", has been unveiled as part of Greenwich And Docklands International Festival.
The festival launched its new, socially distanced version of its annual event on August 28, with events and performances running across the borough until September 12.
The unveiling ceremony saw a number of performances, as well as the 'emotional' moment the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir performed for their first time in over six months.
Thank you to @GDIFestival for inviting us to sing at such a moving ceremony. It was very emotional being able to sing together again after such a difficult few months. https://t.co/PZDcXo4Q2z
— The NHS Choir (L&G) (@Choir_NHS) August 31, 2020
As part of the GDIFestival, a beautiful replica of Planet Earth created using detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface has also gone on display in the Painted Halls of the Old Royal Navy College.
The opening weekend of the festival has already seen a number of colourful performances and displays.
Greenwich Council leader Danny Thorpe attended the opening, and said: "What an incredible weekend it’s been in Woolwich with the GDIFestival.
"Bringing communities back together to enjoy culture in a safe, secure way - massive thanks to all who made this possible & supported over the weekend."
Great to be in @ThamesmeadLDN this afternoon with @dscottmcdonald & @OluBabatola for @GDIFestival - another incredible performance from @SimpleCypher & a brilliant reclaimed venue! @LDN_Culture @PeabodyLDN pic.twitter.com/XaqBErPGaT
— Dan Thorpe (@DanLThorpe) August 30, 2020
A whole host of events are still planned over the next two weeks as part of the festival, and you can read up on what's going on here.
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