Echoes

Acoustic mirrors once served as early warning systems, detecting enemy aircraft before radar existed. When Royal British Veteran Enterprise invited me to create a memorial for VE Day 80 on Dover's waterfront, this extraordinary structure felt like the only possible form it could take.

Listening is active, not passive. An acoustic mirror invites engagement — amplifying stories of suffering, resilience and sacrifice. My intention was to create something that reminds us that remembering history is not just about seeing but truly hearing.

These structures were built to amplify distant sounds. As a memorial, Echoes reflects instead the silence left by those lost to war — and calls attention to overlooked narratives, ensuring no story is forgotten.

As VE Day marks 80 years, it reminds us that peace is fragile and hard-earned. I wanted Echoes to do more than commemorate the past. I wanted it to encourage us to listen — to history, to one another, and to the ongoing need for vigilance and unity.

Dimensions: H300cm x W300cm x D130cm
Material: Corten steel
Dates: Unveiled April 2025, permanently in place.

“Martin is a visionary artist and I am so grateful to him for the beautiful and thought-provoking Echoes sculpture.”

Lisa Farmer, Chief Executive, Royal British Veteran Enterprises