The Tree of Life Sculpture by Oliver Wellings Designs

Handcrafted with care and professionalism

The Tree of Life sculpture was handcrafted entirely from stainless steel, a material chosen not only for its strength and durability but for its symbolic permanence. True to Oliver’s artistic approach, every part of the sculpture was created with meticulous attention to detail.

Rather than forging the tree as a single structure, each element was individually designed, hand-shaped, and brought to life piece by piece. Branches and structural contours were cut, formed, and assembled through a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design processes, a reflection of Oliver’s signature style that marries innovation with sustainability.

Once complete, the sculpture was transported and carefully installed in the heart of the hospital courtyard, where staff, patients, families, and visitors can now experience its quiet but powerful presence.

A Living Memorial for the Black Country Community

One of the most meaningful features of the sculpture is the chainwork that surrounds the base of the tree. These chains represent the deep-rooted industrial heritage of the Black Country, anchoring the sculpture to its local identity and reminding viewers of the region’s proud, hardworking history.

But the chains also serve a more personal purpose.
Family members of the NHS staff being commemorated are invited to attach padlocks to the chains, each one a symbol of love, memory, or gratitude. Over time, these padlocks will accumulate, creating a living, evolving memorial that grows just like a real tree would. Through the stories and connections of those who gather around it.

This interactive element allows the sculpture to become not just a piece of art, but a place of remembrance, a quiet, reflective space within the hospital grounds where loved ones can honour those they have lost.

Art That Honors, Heals, and Connects

The Tree of Life project aligns beautifully with Oliver Wellings’ artistic values. His work is deeply influenced by the natural world, sustainability, and the belief that materials can take on new life through thoughtful, imaginative design.

This sculpture brings those ideas to the forefront:

• Sustainable stainless steel transformed into an organic, flowing form
• Industrial chains reimagined as symbols of heritage and connection
• A public space enriched through creativity, meaning, and community collaboration

The partnership with the NHS Foundation Trust allowed Oliver to use his craft not just to create something beautiful, but something deeply meaningful at a time when memorial spaces are more important than ever.

Installed by our trusted partners at B.A.T Products

We must extend sincere thanks to BAT Products for their invaluable assistance during the installation. Their expertise and support ensured the fitting of the sculpture was seamless, safe, and stress-free, allowing the Tree of Life to take its place in the courtyard with complete confidence and care.

A Sculpture That Will Stand for Generations

Now standing proudly in the courtyard of Walsall Manor Hospital, the Tree of Life is set to become a cherished landmark a space for remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.

For Oliver, the piece represents the power of art to support healing and honour lives. For the hospital, it offers a permanent tribute to extraordinary individuals, and for the community, it stands as a reminder of strength, unity, and the deep roots that bind the Black Country together.