Priory Park now has new statues which celebrate the achievements of two world famous women associated with Great Malvern.
Located in the walled garden by the Swan Pool (lower pond), the installations are of the historic figures Jenny Lind, known as the ‘Swedish Nightingale’, and Florence Nightingale, the ‘Lady with the Lamp’.
Jenny Lind was a world-renowned Swedish soprano who spent that last years of her life Wynds Point on the hills above Little Malvern. She was later buried in Great Malvern Cemetery.
She was known to be close friends with Florence Nightingale, who often visited Great Malvern for periods of rest and recuperation.
Jenny raised thousands of pounds through her concerts to support Florence’s establishment of the world’s first nurses’ training school at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, in 1860.
The statues have been designed and made at the Eastnor Forge by artist Blacksmith, Andrew Findlay.
A cast metal plaque at the entrance to the garden has also been donated by councillors from Malvern Hills District Council through- Cllr Cynthia Palmer, Cllr Beverley Nielsen, and Cllr John Raine.
The Florence Nightingale sculpture was funded by the Autumn in Malvern Festival, before the festival was handed over to Malvern Theatres in 2025.
Funding for Jenny Lind came from the Jenny Lind Society of Stockholm, Sarah Jenny Dunsmure (the great-great granddaughter of Jenny Lind) and her family, Lady Morella Wiggin, as well as the festival.
Roses and Foxgloves have been planted at the foot of the sculpture posts, both associated with the women. Roses for Jenny Lind and Foxgloves for Florence Nightingale, her favourite flower, also seen in wrought metal beneath her feet in the sculpture.
Peter Smith, former Malvern Town councillor and Founder and Artistic Director of the Autumn in Malvern Festival from 1989-2024, has led the project.
He 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.”
Cllr 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.”
Pictured: Cllr Cynthia Palmer, Cllr Beverley Nielsen, Cllr John Gallagher, Peter Smith, and Cllr John Raine next to the statues in Priory Park.
Date published: 26 May 2026