David Furnish

Brighton & Hove's AIDS Memorial will be unveiled by David Furnish on Friday, October 9, at 2.30pm at The New Steine, off St James Street.

The stunning sculpture has been designed by talented local artist Romany Mark Bruce.



Mr Furnish, civil partner of singer Elton John, has a long commitment to HIV/Aids charities through the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The Sussex Beacon are among many organisations whose have received funding from the Foundation.

Speaking of the exciting progress with the memorial, Romany Mark Bruce said:
"The support I have received over the past two years whilst working on this project has been overwhelming.  I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to help to remember those whose lives have been affected by HIV and Aids."



Trustee Paul Elgood welcomed the news that Mr Furnish will undertake the unveiling, he said:
"I am delighted that Mr Furnish has agreed to undertake the unveiling. He is a high profile supporter of HIV and AIDS charities and someone with a deep commitment to this cause.



"It is exciting how well the memorial is coming together. The foundations are being dug and fundraising is heading towards our target. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone involved in the project.



"The unveiling will be a public event and we hope the public will come and support this important memorial - the shadow of HIV and AIDS is across all communities and all people."

Trustee Simon Burgess said:
"The New Steine is the ideal location for the memorial, in the heart of the St.James's Street area where there is real excitement about its installation. The announcement that it is David Furnish that will be making the unveiling is something that will be universally welcomed."



The original idea for a permanent Aids Memorial was floated by Councillor Paul Elgood in 2006. A petition with thousands of signatures was gathered and delivered to the City Council in 2007. In 2008 after a public competition, Romany Mark Bruce's proposed sculpture of two androgynous figures reaching for the heavens was judged the favourite proposal to proceed with to commissioning stage.



Romany finished work on the sculpture in late 2008, after which the memorial was delivered to the Morris Singer Foundry in Braintree, Essex where it has been cast in bronze awaiting its installation in New Steine Gardens.