Charnwood Borough Council
Casting of the Hope Bell
Charnwood Borough Council
Casting of the Hope Bell
Featured project
Conceived as both sculptural landmark and contemplative sanctuary, The Hope Bell stands as a lasting tribute to the individuals, families and communities affected.
The brief was to develop a memorial that would balance emotional resonance with the architectural task of supporting the five heavy carillon bells —integrating sculptural form and engineering into a meaningful public space. The ambition was to create a structure that would feel both symbolically powerful and intimately human: a place capable of accommodating private grief, shared memory and civic pride within the landscape of the park.
From the outset, symbolism guided our design approach. At the heart of the memorial rises a sculptural form composed of four curved pillars, leaning inward to suggest four figures united in an embrace. This shape represents unity, compassion and mutual support at a time when physical closeness was denied. The circular paved area around the tower was designed to be open and accessible, encouraging visitors to wander through, smell the flowers, read the graphics and pause in remembrance.
Translating the concept into a permanent civic structure required rigorous technical development and multi-agency collaboration. Detailed drawings were produced to define tolerances, connections and finishes; ensuring the sculptural curves could be realised in fabricated steel. Structural engineers were engaged to undertake load calculations and foundation design, guaranteeing stability within the difficult flood plain of Queen’s Park. At the same time, drawing packages were prepared to support stakeholder review and statutory submission.
Vertigo led the creative and technical process, from early concept development through detailed design, materials specification and coordination with specialist fabricators. While the bells were cast by a specialist foundry, we retained overall responsibility for structural resolution, landscape treatment and interpretive intent. Every element was carefully considered to ensure durability and resilience, while preserving the memorial’s overall shape and symbolic clarity.
Set within the mature landscape of Queen’s Park, the memorial establishes a clear focal point, and the black and gold finish of the steel and aluminium structure echoes many of the other items in the park such as benches and decorative metalwork.
Interpretation graphics were placed at the edge of the circular paved area showing how The Hope Bell was conceived and to explain the meaning of the poem used on the gold ribbon that encircles the structure. These graphics trace the evolution of the design, offering visitors insight into the symbolism of unity and remembrance rooted in the monument. Mounted in matching Portland stone, with the word Hope engraved into the legs, the interpretive elements extend the material language of the memorial while continuing its message of hope.
Public consultations shaped the design of the Hope Bell. Vertigo’s “Hug” design, where the four steel pillars symbolize a supportive embrace, was well received by Charnwood BC, but we wanted to get the community involved early on, to discuss the ideas and share ownership of the design.
Queen’s Park is a popular green space in the middle of Loughborough, so rigorous research was necessary to ensure the new project served its residents effectively. The process began with site analysis, studying local topography, biodiversity, and urban flow. Simultaneously, we launched public consultations (surveys and workshops) to gather perspectives from user groups. Research into sustainable materials and native planting ensured the park remains a resilient ecological asset, transforming a simple green space into an inclusive community hub.
From the outset, symbolism guided our design approach. At the heart of the memorial rises a sculptural tower composed of four pillars, leaning inward to suggest four figures united in an embrace. The ambition was to create a structure that would feel both symbolically powerful and intimately human: the 40x20cm box section steels had to support the two tonnes of bells, but to imply a comforting hug, the design had them curved inwards at the top. A 120-tonne pyramid roller was used to gently curve each steel into a 24m radius. We then added embracing steel ‘arms’ near the top to complete the picture.
This gesture represents unity, compassion and mutual support at a time when physical closeness was largely denied. The composition was intentionally designed to be open and accessible, encouraging visitors to step inside the structure.
Further challenges included a disruptive flood plain in that corner of the park, a shallow subsoil layer that could support the twenty-tonne weight of the memorial and an underground water course that led to a change of site at the beginning of the project. Luckily, none of the issues encountered during the two-year project had any effect on the visible design.
- Jeremy Trill, Capital Programme & Regeneration Officer, Charnwood Borough Council
