Artwork to remember soldiers at the Battle of the Somme secures permanent home

Public artwork supported by Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust to remember the many brave soldiers who fell in the Battle of the Somme, will be on permanent display in Barnsley town centre from Saturday, 28 October.

The memorable work, which previously sat poignantly outside Barnsley’s iconic Town Hall, depicts images of local men who fell in battle and also incorporated artwork created by ten local schools.

To celebrate the artwork finding a permanent home in Churchfield Peace Gardens, just opposite St Mary’s Church, a public event will take place on Saturday, 28 October. The date of the installation is of particular significance as it is also the day that the Barnsley British Legion branch will be launching their annual Poppy Appeal.

Beginning at approximately 10.15am in the gardens, a representative from the British Legion and St Mary’s Church will begin short service to mark the occasion. It will end with the Sea Cadet Band accompanying attendees in a short parade from Churchfields to May Day Green.

Visitors are welcome to attend where they will be one of the first to see the artwork in its new location and can find out more about the project itself. New interactive interpretation panels have been created to sit alongside the artwork.  By downloading the Aurasma app visitors to the memorial can use mobile devices to view footage and images about the creation of the project and those brave men seen on the Perspex panels.

The relocation of the artwork and its installation has been made possible through the kind support of Barnsley Council, Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust and the Barnsley Pals Plinth Fund.

Margot Walker, chair of trustees for Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust, said: “We are extremely proud to support the rehoming of Light Lines to a permanent town centre space. The installation is a powerful artwork that brings Barnsley people from our past to touch our present day lives. Our aim as a charitable trust is to preserve Barnsley’s legacy for future generations to ensure the town’s history is never lost, and this installation is a testament to that. This has been made possible through generous donations from visitors to our museums.”

For more information about the project please visit www.barnsley-museums.com