A pair of statues has been unveiled in tribute to two remarkable women with links to a Worcestershire town.
The sculptures, honouring soprano Jenny Lind and nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, now stand in Priory Park, Malvern, within the walled garden by the Swan Pool.
Both women had personal ties to the Great Malvern area and were close friends during their lifetimes.
Jenny Lind, known as the ‘Swedish Nightingale,’ was a celebrated soprano who spent her later years at Wynds Point near Little Malvern and is buried in Great Malvern Cemetery.
Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, frequently visited Great Malvern for rest and recuperation.
The sculptures honouring Jenny Lind and Florence Nightingale in Priory Park (Image: Malvern Hills District Council)
Peter Smith, former Malvern town councillor and founder and artistic director of the Autumn in Malvern Festival, led the statue project.
Mr Smith said: “I’m delighted to have worked in partnership with Malvern Hills District Council to bring the project in Priory Park to fruition.
“As a native of Malvern and founder and artistic director of the Autumn in Malvern Festival for 33 years, I have celebrated Malvern’s outstanding cultural heritage in music, literature, and the visual arts.
“The eminent women, Jenny Lind and Florence Nightingale had a strong connection with Malvern and were known throughout the world for their work in classical music and social reform.”
The statues were designed and made at the Eastnor Forge by artist blacksmith Andrew Findlay.
Funding for the Florence Nightingale sculpture was provided by the Autumn in Malvern Festival before the festival was handed over to Malvern Theatres in 2025.
The Jenny Lind statue was funded by the Jenny Lind Society of Stockholm, Lind’s great-great-granddaughter Sarah Jenny Dunsmure and her family, Lady Morella Wiggin, and the festival.
Councillor John Gallagher, portfolio holder for resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are so pleased to support the installation of the new statues of two iconic, historical figures.
“Thank you to Peter Smith leading on this brilliant project. We hope people visiting the park will take the time to have a look and to learn about their contributions to our wonderful town.”
Nearby, roses and foxgloves have been planted to represent the women—roses for Jenny Lind and foxgloves for Florence Nightingale, her favourite flower.
