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Award-winning East Sussex artist Paul Cox has handcrafted 1,000 steel daisies for Hospice in the Weald’s Meadow of Memories displays at two National Trust sites this spring.
Paul, who trained at the Royal Academy and creates sculptures from locally sourced materials at his Newhaven studio, designed and made every daisy by hand for the remembrance displays at both Chartwell and Scotney Castle.
It is the first time a ‘meadow’ of 500 handcrafted daisies has been created by the Hospice for display in the beautiful grounds of Chartwell, beloved former home of Sir Winston Churchill and family, now cared for by the National Trust. A second ‘meadow’ is also on show to visitors at Scotney Castle, which last year partnered with the Hospice to host a meadow of butterflies in its sweeping grounds.
Hospice in the Weald provides free care and support to adults and children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses in East Sussex and Kent. Each of the steel daisies has been dedicated in memory of a loved one to help raise funds for the Hospice. On display until 17th May, they offer a place of reflection and remembrance for all visitors.
Paul said: “I make every daisy by hand, from cutting and shaping the steel rods for the stems to securing each gold hand painted centre in place. It’s a long but thoughtful, meditative process. Every daisy is unique. While I make them, I think about their significance, and how they will help someone to remember a loved one. It’s an honour to be involved in a project like this. It’s great to know that the daisies are now out in the world and on the next part of their journey.”
Daisies are available for all to purchase via the Hospice, and those who make dedications are invited to remembrance gatherings at both sites where they will receive their daisies as lasting tributes.
For Jane, supporting Meadow of Memories is a meaningful way to remember loved ones and give back to the Hospice that cared for her husband Steve before his death from cancer last year, and still supports her today.
“I cannot find enough words to praise the people at the Hospice,” said Jane. “They took such care of Steve. Even though he was unable to communicate by then, each staff member talked to him and told him what they were doing. They treated him with such respect. They looked after me too. If I needed a meal, they provided it, if I needed a shoulder to cry on, it was there. I’ve never experienced such care from people I’ve never met before.
“The Hospice has put its arms around me. It’s so special. It’s enabled me to make new friends and talk to others experiencing similar emotions. It has given me support, strength and connection. I miss Steve hugely but see the daisy as a tangible connection between Steve, me and the Hospice.”
Lisa Hart, Relationship Fundraising Executive at Hospice in the Weald, said: “We are delighted to once again collaborate with the National Trust to create Meadows of Memories at Scotney Castle and now at Chartwell too. As treasured local landmarks, both settings offer a place for supporters and visitors alike to pause, reflect, and find comfort in a shared tribute.
“Daisies symbolise enduring love, returning each spring as a reminder that love and memory continue beyond loss. Thanks to our supporters, every penny raised through a daisy dedication will contribute to the £9 million Hospice in the Weald needs each year to provide vital free care for adults and children facing life‑limiting illness when they need it most.”
Ben Dames, General Manager said: “I’m incredibly proud that Chartwell will be the setting for Meadow of Memories. Bringing people together in a setting inspired by history and nature feels especially meaningful, as the natural world has a unique ability to offer comfort, reflection, and hope — values that sit at the very heart of the hospice’s work.”
For more details about Meadow of Memories visit hospiceintheweald.org.uk.