Blacksmiths forge ahead with rose tribute to Norway’s loss
In the days that followed the July atrocity, the streets of Oslo were covered with roses as people mourned the loss of life. Some 150,000 people carried roses when they took part in a march in Oslo three days after the killings to show their solidarity with those who died. The rose is also the symbol of the Norwegian Labour party, whose youth camp members were gunned down on Utoya island after Breivik earlier detonated a bomb in the capital, Oslo.
“There was no hesitation when we were asked to make a rose each,” said blacksmith Gerard Loughran, who forged his rose from mild steel.
The roses look like they are made from black velvet but they are far from fragile. They will become part of some 500 roses that will be used to create the permanent memorial to those who died. The Irish got involved after they were contacted by two of their colleagues in Norway — Tobbe Malm and Tone Karlsrud who live in Oslo and who sent out a global appeal to their fellow blacksmiths. They expect some 200 roses to be made from blacksmiths around the world and, “the relatives and survivors are going to make some 150-200”.
“A family who lost a daughter said that forging a rose for the sculpture will help them to grieve,” said Tone.
She said the response from Ireland was amazing.
“To think so many people want to be part of this and that they connect with our sorrow and what happened to us has been humbling.”
Gerard, who is based near Newry, said: “There is a big blacksmithing community worldwide and we keep in touch on Facebook. They asked us to make one rose each and when all the roses get to Norway it will be made into a memorial. We thought it was a great idea.
“It helps [the Norwegian people] to know that so many people care and are involved,” added Tobbe Malm.
Tone said: “The monument will consist of a globe which symbolises the global support that people around the world gave to Norway and it will also show the sculpture has been made with help and love from blacksmiths all over the world.”
It will consist of a stand about 2m long and on top of it a globe about five metres in diameter.
Tone said a number of locations have been offered for the memorial but she wants it to be in Oslo “because people are still bringing roses here. We want it to be a place for people to go and grieve and remember”.
The Irish blacksmiths association will hand all their roses over to the Norwegian ambassador in Dublin next Tuesday.
