Tree of Life Blitz memorial removed for restoration, to return by St Martin's

Birmingham's Tree of Life memorial, which honours the civilians killed in air raids on the city during the Second World War, has been removed for restoration.

The bronze sculpture was taken from its spot on Edgbaston Street, near the Bull Ring markets, on 28 July. It will be restored by specialists Castle Foundry and return in the autumn to a new memorial garden beside St Martin's in the Bull Ring.

Remembering the Birmingham Blitz

Between August 1940 and April 1943, Birmingham suffered 77 air raids, which caused more than 9,000 casualties and 2,241 civilian deaths.

The Tree of Life, by artist Lorenzo Quinn, was unveiled in 2005 after a campaign by the Birmingham Air Raids Remembrance Association (BARRA). It shows a tree growing from a rock, with two hands holding the world above it, a symbol of peace after the war.

"This more prominent setting will ensure that the memory of those who lost their lives during the Birmingham Blitz remains visible and accessible to future generations," said Anita Ward, former Lord Mayor and Chair of BARRA.

The memorial is due to be back in place before BARRA's annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving on 10 October. Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture, said looking after public art and memorials is part of "that tradition of honouring those lives lost".