War Memorial, Market Place 
Artists - Charles Clayton Thompson and A G Walker

Derby has a number of war memorials, including the Midland Railway War Memorial on Midland Road near to Derby Railway Station which, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and constructed in 1921, is a II* (grade two star) listed building. The subject of this appreciation, though, is the memorial to be found at the heart of the city centre, on the Market Place.

The memorial is made up of bronze figures on a stone plinth with a stone background cross. It was installed in the Market Place in 1923 and repositioned within the Market Place in 1994 as part of the Derby Promenade street improvement works. Charles Clayton Thompson was the memorial's designer and A G Walker, ARA, was responsible for the carving work.

John Sharpe, who represents the Ancient Monuments Society on the Derby Conservation Area Advisory Committee and is Senior Historic Buildings Officer at Leicestershire County Council, provided the following comments about this artwork.

'In 1925 the Prince of Wales spoke of the desire "to honour each of the dead soldiers, not merely by spoken word, by vague utterances which take flight and are forgotten, but by material expression as enduring as human hands and human art can make it".

Communities responded in different ways to the task of commemoration after the First World War. Utilitarian schemes, such as memorial halls or hospitals, were popular, but there was often a desire for a visible reminder of those who were never going to return. Monuments of many types were erected on public sites and together they form possibly the largest commission of public art ever undertaken in Britain.

The success of symbolic representation, whereby a figure or figures are recognisable as standing for a general concept, depends on the skill of the artist. The larger settlements with greater resources, such as Derby, were able to commission eminent designers and sculptors. This war memorial shows a high standard of workmanship and powerful symbolism. The mourning woman was one of a number of symbolic forms developed by the Greeks that stand as timeless statements. It helped, no doubt, to satisfy the need for a focus for grief, but such sentiment on its own could be negative, looking back rather than forwards. The inclusion of a child offers hope for the future, and possibly provides a visible reminder that many men from Derby had sacrificed their lives for the benefit of future generations.

The figures are placed on a stone pedestal against a backdrop of a Celtic cross; one of most popular forms of war memorial, offering a combination of a symbolic Christian victory, sacrifice and eternal hope. The sculptured figures can be seen as a continuation of the Victorian tradition of public statues and form an interesting contrast with the stylised, more contemporary interpretation of an ancient Celtic cross.

The materials, stone and bronze, were chosen well; they have stood the test of time. The concise and simple inscription effectively conveys the attitudes of the community at that time. The additional inscription, commemorating 'The World War', does not seem to compromise the original composition. (In my view the large metal sword and further dedications that have been added to the rear, whilst well meaning, appear rather uncomfortable by comparison).

The principle public space in the centre of town must have seemed the natural location for the memorial in the 1920s. It has since become part of the established scene but despite the pedestrianisation of the area the opportunity for quiet contemplation and reflection of what is being commemorated does not exist, particularly when the Market Place is being used for fairs or exhibitions.'

The Derby Public Art Strategy sets the scene for future public artworks in the city.

For further information please contact the Built Environment Team:

Telephone 01332 255060  Minicom 01332 256666  Fax 01332 255989  e-mail urban.design@derby.gov.uk