Summary
First World War memorial, 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Edgbaston War Memorial, situated beside the Parish Church of St Augustine of Hippo, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a competition winning entry by the notable designer JH Morcom;
* Sculptural interest: a well-executed monument, elegantly combining Classical form with Art Deco style;
* Group value: with the Parish Church of St Augustine of Hippo (Grade II*-listed).
History
The war memorial was the product of a competition organised by a local committee soon after the end of the First World War. The committee specified a memorial that did not overtly reflect any religious denomination, despite being situated beside the church. The winning design, chosen by Sir Whitworth Wallis (1844-1927), who was at the time the curator of Birmingham City Art Gallery, was by JH Morcom. In his Faculty Petition of 13 May 1921, the Reverend Rosslyn Bruce wrote, ‘The proposed monument does not represent an urn but rather a column. It is surmounted by the symbolic flame, representative of eternal life. The angels hold wreaths of laurel and the whole embodies the severest simplicity. The purpose has been kept that the view of meeting the wishes of many bereaved parents of many differing “denominations” to whom symbolism means little.’
Details
The memorial stands in front of the Parish Church of St Augustine of Hippo (Grade II*), to the south side of the church. Built in Portland stone, it comprises a two-stepped base surmounted by tapering, square, stele. A pedestal, slightly stepped back, on top of the stele bears carved wreaths on each side. Standing on the pedestal a tapering pillar carries an eternal flame. Each side of the pillar is carved with a robed figure, holding wreaths and with palm leaves carved at each arris.
End of official list entry
