Forget-me-not Elephant, Mortonhall Baby Ashes Memorial

Category

Library Item

Item no

55032

Title

Forget-me-not elephant, a memorial monument to children and families of the to the children of the Mortonhall baby ashes scandal

Description

The accompanying plaque reads,
‘In memory of our precious babies, gone but never forgotten.’
The large bronze toy baby elephant is embossed with ‘forget-me-not’ flowers and situated in Princes Street Gardens West.

Artist / maker

Amoore, John

Date

2019

Type

Digital image

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Memorial details
Sculptor: Andy Scott
Funded by: Edinburgh City Council, £250,000
Unveiled: 2nd February 2019

Remains of babies cremated at Edinburgh’s Mortonhall Crematorium (and at other crematoria around Scotland) were not returned to parents but disposed of in unmarked graves over a period of several decades. After this was discovered in 2012 the reasons were sought, and crematoria practices improved. Edinburgh Council, in consultation with the parents of the babies, decided to erect a memorial in Princes Street Gardens to remember those who had died.

Andy Scott, sculptor, described his design: ‘Elephants never forget. I wanted to do something that will capture the imagination. It was quite a daunting thing to take on because of the emotions and the terrible loss the parents had suffered... I wanted the idea of something of a lost toy, maybe being left behind and the feeling of sadness and loss. But also something that would resonate with siblings. I hope the parents respond well to it.’

Text by John Amoore extracted from his book on Edinburgh monuments.

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Related subjects

Animals > Mammals > Elephants

Architecture > Monuments > Memorial monuments

Architecture > Monuments > Sculptures

Architecture > Monuments > Statues

Landscape > Landscape architectural facilities > Parks

People > Children > Children playing

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Princes Street Gardens

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Forget-me-not elephant, Mortonhall baby ashes memorial