Memorial Sculpture by Alan Williams

Alan Williams creates memorial sculptures for families, organisations and public places, from smaller personal pieces to substantial commemorative works. A commission often draws on someone’s interests or a beloved personal object.

Previous commissions include the Lemmy Kilmister Memorial Bust, the Gary Vines Helmet, the Hawks Memorial for the 14th/20th Kings Hussars and the Alder Hey Hospital Wishing Tree. In each, the materials contribute to the tribute: motorcycle components connect Gary’s helmet with his racing and work as a welder, while donated tools and mechanical parts form the regimental eagle.

If you are considering a memorial commission,  get in touch with Alan to have a conversation about who or what you would like to commemorate. You do not need a finished design before getting in touch.

Get in touch
Lemmy Kilmister memorial sculpture by Alan Williams

Explore Memorial Sculpture Projects

These projects include private, organisational and public memorials. The individual project pages record the story behind each commission, the materials used and practical details where they are known.

Portrait, object or emblem

A memorial can represent someone directly, or it can use an object or symbol that carries a strong connection with them.

The Lemmy Kilmister commission required a recognisable portrait. Gary Vines was commemorated through the form of his racing helmet, built largely from motorcycle components. The Hawks Memorial took another route, recreating the Prussian Eagle used as the cap badge of the 14th/20th Kings Hussars.

A place for remembrance

Some memorials are shaped as much by what people will do around them as by the object itself.

The Alder Hey Hospital Wishing Tree was commissioned for families who had lost a child. Standing 2.1 metres tall, the forged-steel tree was designed as a physical point for remembrance, reflection and hope, with an integrated donation box.

Gary Vines memorial helmet sculpture by Alan Williams
Hawks Memorial metal sculpture by Alan Williams
Alder Hey Hospital memorial wishing tree sculpture by Alan Williams

Meaningful materials

Where the brief allows it, the materials themselves can reinforce the subject of the memorial.

The Lemmy bust includes Harley-Davidson parts and components from a Challenger 2 tank. Around 90% of the Gary Vines helmet is made from motorcycle components. For the Hawks Memorial, mechanics and engineers from army barracks donated material that became part of the finished regimental emblem.

Scale, setting and installation

The intended setting can shape a memorial from the beginning. Gary Vines was commemorated with two helmet sculptures: one for the Black Dub on the Isle of Man TT course and another for his family.

The Hawks Memorial is a permanent 2.5-metre installation at the National Memorial Arboretum, while the Alder Hey commission was developed as a freestanding hospital wishing tree. Scale, support, location and installation therefore need to be considered as part of the sculpture rather than after it is finished.

Incorporating Personal Objects

You can incorporate your loved one’s personal possessions into a memorial sculpture, preserving a connection to the person who owned or used them. Where possible, Alan keeps these objects recognisable within the finished work.

Contact Alan to discuss a memorial sculpture

If you are considering a memorial sculpture, contact Alan to discuss what you would like to commemorate. You do not need a finished idea. Tell him what matters to you, and you can explore the idea together.

Get in touch
Lemmy Kilmister memorial sculpture by Alan Williams