STORMONT ESTATE MAY 2025
The sculpture at Stormont, known as “Reconciliation,” is a poignant and significant artwork with a direct lineage to the renowned piece by Josefina de Vasconcellos. Its journey from conception to its current state at the Stormont Estate reflects various phases of development and adaptation.
Josefina de Vasconcellos’s ‘Reunion’ / ‘Reconciliation’
The original sculpture, by the British sculptor Josefina de Vasconcellos (1904-2005), was initially named ‘Reunion’ and unveiled in 1977 at the University of Bradford. This powerful bronze depicts two embracing figures, male and female, symbolising healing, reconciliation, and the overcoming of division. It was inspired by the suffering she witnessed during the Second World War and her deep belief in the power of forgiveness.
Copies of this profoundly moving work have been placed in several significant locations globally, most notably at the Hiroshima Peace Park in Japan (where it is known as ‘Reconciliation’) and at Salisbury Cathedral in England. The enduring message of hope and unity embedded within the sculpture has made it a potent symbol wherever it is displayed.
‘Reconciliation’ at Stormont
The sculpture at Stormont was commissioned by the Northern Ireland Office and is a replica of de Vasconcellos’s original work, sharing its powerful message in a context deeply resonant with its themes. It was intended to symbolise the ongoing peace process and the journey towards reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
When I photographed the site a few years ago it was as a work in progress with an incomplete water feature. The original design for the setting of the “Reconciliation” sculpture at Stormont envisioned it as the centrepiece of a contemplative space that included a significant water element. Water often symbolises cleansing, renewal, and a flow towards the future, making it a fitting complement to the sculpture’s message. However, the implementation of complex public art installations can be subject to various challenges, including funding, technical issues, and unforeseen delays. This often leads to phases where work appears to be suspended or incomplete.
My recent observation in May 2025, noting the completion of the site but the removal of the water element, points to a significant change in the final execution of the project. While the exact reasons for the removal of the water feature are not widely publicised, it is not uncommon for design elements in public spaces to be altered or omitted due to:
Maintenance considerations: Water features, while visually appealing, can be costly and challenging to maintain, requiring regular cleaning, filtration, and winterisation to prevent damage.
Operational issues: Problems with the pumping system, leaks, or even concerns about water safety or accessibility could lead to a redesign.
Budgetary constraints: The long-term costs associated with water features can sometimes exceed initial estimates.
Safety concerns: In some public spaces, water features can present slip hazards or other safety issues that lead to their removal or modification.
Design evolution: As a project progresses, the overall aesthetic or functional goals might evolve, leading to a decision that the water element no longer serves the intended purpose or detracts from the primary artwork.
Despite the change in its immediate surroundings, the “Reconciliation” sculpture at Stormont continues to stand as a powerful symbol of hope and the ongoing commitment to peace in Northern Ireland, drawing its profound meaning from Josefina de Vasconcellos’s original vision.