An epic art installation that acts as a poignant tribute to NHS frontline workers has been unveiled in Oxford’s South Park.

The 300 hand-painted life-size figures, featuring 60 different designs, were created by Oxfordshire artist Dan Barton and a team of volunteers, who have worked tirelessly for the past three months.

Its purpose is to help viewers remember the NHS workers who lost their lives fighting Covid-19 while offering a massive thank you to current NHS staff for their care and dedication now and throughout the pandemic.

NHS frontline workers attended the unveiling ceremony on Monday when the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Mark Lygo, cut the ribbon.

The backs of the figures are painted black to symbolise remembrance with a face mask to represent the harsh reality of Covid.

When viewed from the back it appears as a sea of silhouettes with face masks and from the front a sea of colourful frontline workers safely positioned at approximately five metres apart.

A tribute tent has been set up to allow visitors to record a message to a friend, family or colleague who have been impacted by Covid-19, or simply to share their feelings.

Standing with Giants, a not-for-profit organisation founded by Mr Barton that creates large scale art installations for people to reflect upon while supporting worthy causes, will be raising funds for NHS Charities Together and its community project enabling them to take their installations on tour.

Councillor Mary Clarkson, cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism at Oxford City Council, said: “The Standing with Giants installation is a moving and thoughtful piece of art. It gives us all a chance to reflect on our experiences over the past year and a half and the loved ones we have lost.

“I encourage members of the public to visit the space to experience the atmosphere the artist has created and allow themselves a moment for contemplation and the opportunity to grieve.”

Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, added: “The installation is a poignant reminder of the tireless work of the NHS workforce who looked after the nation throughout the pandemic, despite the huge impact it has had on their mental health and wellbeing.

"Sadly the pandemic hasn’t yet gone away and we need to continue to be there for them - money raised will go towards supporting our NHS staff, volunteers and patients both practically and emotionally, now and in the longer term as the NHS recovers from the most challenging time in its history.”

It will be on display until August 1.