The Covid-19 pandemic changed the world, and many lives were sadly lost. In London, a powerful tribute stands as a reminder – the National Covid Memorial Wall. This massive mural is a symbol of remembrance and a place to honor those who died from the virus in the United Kingdom.
I was in London for a week in September 2022 when I stumbled upon this Covid Memorial. It was my last day in town, and I was heading from Westminster Bridge to the Vauxhall Bridge on the South Bank of the River Thames since I never walked there before. My goal was to walk to Victoria Station, but I was surprised by a memorial covered in hearts and names.
I listened to a podcast episode earlier today that reminded me of that afternoon in London. In the episode “Don’t Forget to Remember,” 99% Invisible discusses how to memorialize the COVID-19 tragedy, which was both physically devastating and politically divisive. And it reminded me of this heart-covered wall in London, and I knew I had to write something about it.
A Wall of Hearts opposite the Palace of Westminster
London’s streets carry a stark reminder of the lives irrevocably changed by the COVID-19 pandemic – the National Covid Memorial Wall. A poignant tribute stretching along the South Bank of the River Thames, this wall features thousands of hand-painted hearts, each commemorating a life lost.
It’s easy to imagine a wall stretching over 500 meters along London’s iconic River Thames since I have the pictures to help you. This wall isn’t covered in advertisements or graffiti – it’s filled with over 200,000 hand-painted hearts, each a unique symbol for a life lost to COVID-19. And it’s hard to imagine the scale and the powerful statement it sends without walking along it, reading the names and messages loved ones left.
The Covid Memorial Wall was created by volunteers and families who lost loved ones. In March 2021, as the pandemic reached its first year, they began painting hearts to criticize British politics, help process grief, and honor those they missed. While the project started without official permission, the heartfelt intentions and public support ensured the memorial’s survival.
In the vivid pinks and reds, I saw more than statistics but a woven tapestry of love and sorrow. The messages within the hearts were highly personal, including names, memories, and unspoken words. It was a place of reflection amidst the bustling city, a space to acknowledge the profound impact this global tragedy has had on so many.
A Living Covid Memorial in London
The Covid Memorial Wall isn’t just a painting; it’s a place where memories come to life. Families have filled hearts with messages, names, and memories of their loved ones. The memorial wall, covered with names, messages, and pictures, felt endless as I walked by. It was emotional for me to be there, remembering what I had been through during the pandemic and imagining how others felt during those months.
Even as time passes, volunteers continue to repaint the hearts and add new ones, ensuring the memorial remains a vibrant tribute.
Visiting the Memorial along the South Bank of the River Thames
The COVID Memorial Wall is located along the South Bank of the River Thames, directly across from the Houses of Parliament. It’s a place to reflect, learn, and pay respect to those whose lives were touched by the pandemic.
Visiting London’s Covid Memorial Wall: A Reflection on Loss and Remembrance
North Wing, Lambeth Palace Rd,
London, United Kingdom
