Artist: Eric Stanford
Year: Unveiled 1990, Restored 2015
Location: Abbey Quarter, Forbury Gardens, Reading
Type: Memorial
Material: Portland Stone
Accessibility: Easy step-free access into Forbury Gardens with a path leading all the way round to the memorial. Local parking and public transport nearby.
Description: The sculptural memorial that sits in the Abbey Quarter of the Forbury Gardens depicts the mothers of those killed and went to battle in Spin during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-39. The simplified shapes of the human body depicts a mother, seen wailing and crying, holds a young lifeless child. On the reverse of the sculpture is a dedication to the three men that were known to be from Reading- Josh Francis, Bill Ball and George Middleton. At least 16 people from or with a strong connection to Reading are known to have gone to Spain to join the International Brigades.
Link:
Imperial War Museum
International Brigades
International Brigades
Berkshire Sculpture Park 