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The Garden, in memory of children, was the inspiration of the internationally renowned sculptor Josefina de Vasconcellos (1905 - 2006). She perceived a need to create a tranquil space for all those who have suffered the loss of a young life, before or after birth, to come and find comfort. St Bees, and its Priory dedicated to St Bega, was the chosen site for the Garden. Josefina had had close links with village, the School and the Priory for many years.
Two of her sculptures, comprising the “Vision of St Bega”, can be found in the Lady Chapel of the Priory, and a third piece “The Hand”, a War Memorial carved out of Honister green slate, was sited outside the Memorial Hall at St Bees School in 1955. Many Cathedrals and Art Josefina’s three pieces of work – An exhibition about Josefina and the development of the Garden, can see in St Bees Priory by her sculptures there.
Above right - Adoration of the Holy Innocents
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More information about Josefina and the work which is continuing in her name can be found at the 
Galleries throughout Britain have one or more of Josefina’s sculptures, including St Paul’s Cathedral where she was the only living sculptor in recent times to have a work of art. Her sculptures can be seen in America too, for example in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Dallas, Texas; but perhaps one of her best known works is “Reconciliation” – bronze casts of which now stand as memorials to international peace outside Coventry Cathedral, in the Hiroshima Peace Park (both in 1995) and later at the site of the Berlin Wall and in the grounds of Stormont Castle, Belfast.
“Adoration of the Holy Innocents”, “Heavenly Twins” and “Sleeping Child” - her gift - have all been sited in the Garden created in the grounds of St Bees Priory. Thanks to a very generous donation from Sir Richard Branson, a long time admirer and supporter of Josefina and her work, the development if the Garden began in 2006, shortly before her death, in her 101st year. Donations from others have allowed the work to continue. Like any garden, it will take time to mature, and additional plants will be added, and others moved, as we see how the garden develops and further funds become available.
