Let's Imagine creates a difference for The Salvation Army

Let's Imagine is a branding consultancy and has creative curiosity for finding interesting and innovative ways to communicate through design.

They believe that design should have a great idea at its heart, and should 'simply' engage, inform and influence.

Their clients and projects are quite diverse, but predominantly they work with church, charities and Christian organisations - helping them to raise awareness, profile and funds through relevant and beautifully designed communications.

Recently they had the privilege to help The Salvation Army create and install a monument at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) is a spiritually uplifting place that is emerging as a world-renowned centre for remembrance.It is a living and lasting memorial for the armed forces, civilian organisations and voluntary bodies who have played a part in serving the country. This 150 acre site has approx 50,000 planted trees and over 250 dedicated memorials.

The Salvation Army felt it fitting and appropriate to commemorate their services and to commission a monument to be sited at the NMA.

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity, working in 126 countries worldwide, that offer support, friendship and practical help to people of all ages, backgrounds and needs.

They are well remembered, known and respected for its involvement and support during times of conflict - both past and present.

Looking back... at the end of the 19th Century, Staff Captain Mary Murray was sent by General William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army, to see what could be done to support British troops serving in the Boer war, South Africa. Then in 1901, the same officer was given the task of establishing the Naval and Military League - the forerunner of the Red Shield Services. The Doughnut Girls of World War l are an early example of practical support, serving refreshments to troops in the trenches. They also led worship services, held Sunday Schools for service families and conducted Bible study classes. Most famously, they manned the iconic mobile canteens providing light refreshments to army, naval and airforce personnel. In addition, they ran cafes, accommodation and recreation facilities. During World War ll, The Salvation Army operated 3,000 service units for armed forces, which led to the formation of the United Services Organisation. To date, 4 Salvationists have been awarded the Victoria Cross. Today, The Salvation Army continues to offer support and service around the world.

Let's Imagine was briefed to design a structure that captured the essence of The Salvations Army's work and ministry.

Even before we put pencil to paper, it was necessary to visit and experience the NMA - to wander and appreciate the setting for this memorial in order to stimulate and ignite the creative process.

The concept 'hope and help' is dramatically symbolised by two outstretched and touching hands. The memorial not only honours, it also encourages us to be thankful for services given and sacrifices made, ensuring freedom and optimism for the future.

There was a desire to produce this monument out of glass, therefore careful consideration was given to aspects of manufacture and safety in order to make this a reality.

We started with two sheets of toughened glass, both of which have a hand etched and frosted into the surface. One sheet of glass was screen printed with  translucent and opaque inks. Then both sheets of glass were laminated together to create one.
It was important that the finishing of the monument appeared 'fixing-free' - ensuring that the focus was on the image, not the manufacturing. The solution was to produce L-shaped channel clamps, bolted into a concrete base, for the glass to locate and sit in. Then a one-piece stainless steel footplate was carefully lowered over the glass concealing the clamps. A finishing touch was to lay a narrow stone boarder around the base of the monument to cover bolt fixings and to assist with grounds maintenance.

The use of glass allows for visual interaction between the two hands and may be viewed from both sides. The deep-etched hands allow visitors of all ages to touch and interact with the monument. The translucent blue colouring, which is reminiscent of stained glass, beautifully punctuates the memorial within its surroundings. The engraved steel footplate 'Be still and know that I am God' invites visitors to spend a few moments in quiet contemplation.

The result is a beautifully distinctive and engaging piece of artwork - a powerful image, simply portrayed.

We'd love to show and tell you more.

Please call Mel Gillman on 01737 361468, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.letsimagine.co.uk