Award winning artwork reinstalled

A stunning piece of artwork commemorating the 300 Barnsley men who lost their lives on the first day of the Battle of the Somme has been repaired and reinstalled in Churchfield Peace Gardens.

The artwork ‘Light Lines’ was originally commissioned in 2016 and designed by Musson & Retallick. It features images of local soldiers who lost their lives in the battle, including many of the 13th/14th York and Lancaster Regiment – more commonly known as the Barnsley Pals.

Images of the men have been reproduced as digitally rendered laser-etched acrylic panels, which illuminate in low light using white led lights. The panels contain medals cast in plaster, made by children from Summer Lane Primary School reflecting the memories of those at home.

The original artwork was made possible by funding from Barnsley Council, Barnsley Ward Alliances, Arts Council England, Historic England's Heritage Schools programme and Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust.

Unfortunately, in 2022 the artwork was damaged, resulting in it being removed while repairs to the panels were made. With help from public donations, which included £1,300 from the Barnsley Football Club Supporters Trust and further donations in response to a campaign led by Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust, the artwork has been restored and is now back on display in Churchfield Peace Gardens in time for Remembrance Sunday.

'Light Lines' has received national recognition and was awarded a commendation from the Civic Trust in 2017. It has also been added to the War Memorials Register administered by the Imperial War Museum.

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We were extremely saddened by the damage to the poignant ‘Light Lines’ memorial as it commemorates such an important time in history. Thank you to everyone who has supported us in making the repairs possible and allowed us to reinstate this artwork, which many people wanted to see happen.”

For more information about the artwork visit www.experience-barnsley.com