A permanent memorial commemorating Swansea’s experience of the Covid-19 pandemic has been unveiled on the city’s seafront. The memorial, near the Slip Bridge on the promenade, was unveiled by Swansea Council leader Cllr Rob Stewart, Cabinet Member for Culture, Equality and Human Rights Cllr Elliott King, and artists Catrin Jones and Angharad Pearce Jones.
The ceremony was attended by Lord Mayor Cllr Penny Matthews, representatives of people who died during the pandemic, emergency services, voluntary organisations and council teams involved in Swansea’s response to Covid-19. Wales' first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Swansea in March 2020.
Artwork and Design
The memorial was designed by Welsh glass artist Catrin Jones and sculptor Angharad Pearce Jones following consultation with local residents, organisations and groups affected by the pandemic. The artwork combines sculpted steel with three circles of coloured glass inspired by the peacock butterfly.
It is surrounded by seating, footpaths, naturalistic planting and wildflowers, providing a place for people to sit and reflect.
Community Tributes
Cllr Stewart said the memorial would have different meanings for people across Swansea. “It was a privilege to unveil a memorial which will hold different meanings and memories for so many people,” he said. “Today was an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives and to stand alongside their families and friends.”
He said Covid-19 had affected every part of Swansea and that its impact continued to be felt by families and communities. The memorial also recognised the work of residents, key workers, volunteers, emergency services and local organisations during the pandemic, he said.
“For many of us, one of the most enduring memories of what happened was how so many people came together to do so much, so willingly for the people around them,” Cllr Stewart said.
Recognition and Reflection
Cllr Matthews said the memorial recognised the work of people who cared for others, maintained essential services and provided support during the pandemic. “Today was a moment to recognise the extraordinary efforts of everyone who cared for others, maintained essential services or offered help during an unprecedented time,” she said. “This beautiful setting now belongs to the whole community. I hope it will provide comfort and a peaceful place to pause, reflect and remember.”
The artists said consultation with Swansea communities had identified a desire for the memorial to provide a calm space within a natural setting. They said the combination of steel, glass, light and colour represented strength, resilience and healing.
Cllr King said the memorial also recognised council teams which changed the way they worked during the pandemic to support vulnerable people, maintain essential services and help coordinate Swansea’s response. “The final look and feel of the memorial is, like the public response to the pandemic itself, a collective community effort,” he said. He thanked the artists, members of the public who contributed to the consultation and council staff involved in installing the memorial.
