Great War sacrifices are made transparent

It has been created as part of the council’s public art programme which is being delivered by the charity Beam.

Rachel Welford, who specialises in architectural glass, has been commissioned to carry out the work.

She has created three column made from layers of laminated glass. The columns are the size of people and are said to allude to soldiers and their families.

The first column is said to relate to the recruitment of soldiers, including the Barnsley Pals, the second focuses on the war itself, and includes stories from the front, diary entries, maps and battle-plan diagrams. The third column relates to life at home, the end of the war and homecoming. The artist spent hours in Barnsley Archives and Discovery Centre researching its first World War collection.

She has used excerpts of personal correspondence and written records to make 
images of the writing in the artwork.

She said: “Being originally from Barnsley, it felt a real honour to be chosen to create the artwork commemorating Barnsley soldiers who fought and fell.

“I feel like I too am part of the town and its history, and am thrilled to be giving something back by way of this artwork.

“I wanted to create something that encourages quiet contemplation – something beautiful that enhances the landscaping of the square.” She added: “I hope the people feel it is a fitting tribute to Barnsley’s brave soldiers.”

Cabinet spokesman Coun Roy Miller, added: “This is a poignant and thought-provoking piece of artwork commemorating all the fallen of World War One which will provide a lasting memory to the sacrifice made by so many young men.”