Sheppard Memorial

Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you…and pray to the Lord on its behalf.

Jeremiah 29:7

This memorial was dedicated at a ceremony on 7th May 2011 by Justin Welby, Dean of this Cathedral. It honours David Stuart Sheppard - a great Bishop of Liverpool, citizen, husband, father, friend.

The memorial is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional memorial stone, which the sculptor, Stephen Broadbent has designed to evoke a sense of intrigue and wonder. The abstract nature of the artwork communicates on many levels and permits a range of thoughts, whilst adding a spiritual dimension to inspire reflection in a personal or corporate way.

A White Portland stone is set in the sandstone wall of the cathedral, creating a feeling of ‘being embedded’ or ‘making an impression’, with the sandstone of the cathedral representing the city. The shapes that radiate from the design, could be seen as ripples or boundaries. The notion of ‘breaking boundaries’, is one that resonates with Bishop David’s family, and is reminiscent of his cricketing, professional and personal achievements. The drawing together of these two shaped forms is also reflective of his ministry of reconciliation, which is further highlighted through the text from Jeremiah 29:7.

The smooth surface of the White stone is not flawless, for only God is without blemish. It is set at a height where visitors will be able to touch and engage with it.

The floor plaque directly below the artwork covers the casket of Bishop David and Grace, Lady Sheppard; whose ashes were interred on 6th May 2011 to be alongside those of her husband.

The work was carried out by Adrian White of Lambert Butler, a firm that specialises in conservation and restoration work on historical buildings. They have worked on other significant projects in Liverpool Cathedral