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 reinstalled before Remembrance Sunday after it was vandalised last year.
The Barnsley Pals ‘Light Lines’ installation was originally commissioned in 2016 and features images of local soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War battle.
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 local school children reflecting the memories of those at home.
However, the artwork was vandalised last year and the installation had to be removed whilst the repairs were made.
Thanks to public donations - including £1,300 from the Barnsley Football Club Supporters’ Trust, the work has now been restored and is on display in Churchfield Peace Gardens in time for Remembrance Sunday.
Coun 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.”
