Scarborough Hospital Multi-Faith Chapel

The Multi-Faith Chapel at Scarborough Hospital has an important purpose in supporting those who are grieving, and giving comfort and solace to many in difficult times. It is also a place of contemplation and of hope.

My Prayer Tree sculpture is based on the form and shape of a sycamore seed, inspired by its rich symbolism and many associations. The sculpture is made from copper and brass sheet, rod and wire, with the transparent pattern of the wing veins made out of opalescent glasses held together with copper foil. Along the veins are hooks to take individual prayers.

Each sycamore seed can be seen as a small, winged angel ready to put down deep roots in the ground. These winged seeds twirl and dance hopefully in the air, as the wind carries them a little distance from the parent tree, but never beyond the reach of love and memory. Perhaps not all of the seeds will grow, but they remain close to their parent tree; almost like winged angels, protecting and guiding human beings.

Sycamores have traditionally been symbols of vision and hope, of strength and protection, of reliability and tolerance. Sycamore trees were formerly planted beside tombs to offer solace and comforting shade to pilgrims. Here in Scarborough hospital chapel, this comforting protection will be made lively with dapples of coloured light – the light of memory shining through coloured glass.