PROJECTS
Liam O’Connor Architects was commissioned in 2016 to prepare designs for a British memorial in Normandy, commemorating all those who died served under British command on D-Day and in the Battle of Normandy that followed.
Choosing an appropriate site and setting out a masterplan for 60 acres of coastal land overlooking the historic battlespace of the D-Day landings at Gold Beach, was followed by two years of planning negotiations and the construction of several structures requiring 3,500 tons of Burgundy limestone, hundreds of trees and sustainably felled oak trees from a forest planted under Louis XIV in the Loire Valley.
Over 500 people were involved in making this extraordinary project a reality.
‘...memorial of serene beauty that has found its place in the landscape, anchored to it with respect for and enhancement of the site. O’Connor and his team have produced a monument which rises to the solemnity of its purpose.’
James Stevens Curl, The Critic,
June 2021
BRITISH NORMANDY MEMORIAL, NORMANDY, FRANCE
THE NORMANDY MEMORIAL TRUST
Five sculptors from France, the USA and the UK made important contributions to this project:
Richard Kindersley, Inscription Artist, David Williams-Ellis
David Williams-Ellis, memorial Court sculpture
Christophe Charbonnel, Bronze shield
Valentine Herrenschmidt, Wreath of laurel and Olive and Peace inscription
Materials and craftsmen came from the USA, Canada, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany and the UK.
‘The Normandy Memorial is a thing of beauty.’
Timothy Garton-Ash, The Spectator,
25 September 2021
PRESS COVERAGE
THE LAST POST (2023)
This short film was commissioned by Liam O’Connor Architects.
THE DETAILS
Designed in solid load-bearing stone with lime mortar and set in an open cloister paved with Italian porphyry, this contemporary classical ensemble of structures overlooks the beautiful Normandy coast and is set within a newly created landscape park, open to visitors at all times and provides a beautify setting for peaceful reflection.
‘Iconic Landscape Award’ Italy 2021
‘International Property Awards’, sponsored by Rolls Royce: Best Public architecture for France, Europe and the Global Award 2021
The American National Sculpture Society‘ Henry Hering Medal’ for Art & Architecture, 2022