What stands before us represents truth and justice. It is the International Asbestos Memorial. This memorial honors those who died from asbestos exposure. It stands as a poignant reminder of a silent killer.
Clydebank Asbestos Group commissioned Glasgow artist Jephson Robb to design this tribute. The International Asbestos Memorial is more than just a local monument. It honors everyone worldwide who died from this toxic substance.
Clydebank is sadly the worst affected area in the UK for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an untreatable cancer caused by repeated asbestos exposure.
The memorial includes five marble blocks. Each block is 2.2 meters high and 0.5 meters thick. They are arranged like standing stones. The stones stand in the center of a public open space along Glasgow Road.
The two outer blocks bear the title “International Asbestos Memorial”. The inner faces display the words “Truth” and “Justice”. The three center blocks feature names of asbestos victims. These names come from both local and international communities. A descriptive plaque sits next to the stones.
Jephson Robb wanted the memorial to be more than a reminder of distress. He wanted to create an aspirational message for the future. The white marble symbolizes peace and hope. It also references white asbestos. The font is modern to avoid resembling gravestones. The blocks are a modern take on Celtic standing stones. These stones celebrated life.
Hope Robertson is the secretary of Clydebank Asbestos Group. She initiated the memorial idea in 2002. George McGowan suggested a plaque. Overwhelming support transformed it into this grand memorial.
The memorial stands close to Glasgow Road at the bottom of Hume Street. It is engraved with over 500 names. More names will likely be added. Asbestos-related diseases have long latency periods.
Robertson’s husband David died from mesothelioma at age 59. The CAG formed in 1992. It assists affected people and their families with their legal rights.
Clydebank has a history of heavy industry. This includes shipyards and an asbestos factory. The International Asbestos Memorial stands as a tribute to resilience. It promotes awareness and remembrance. The memorial provides a peaceful space for reflection. It is a reminder of our collective responsibility. We must protect future generations from hazardous materials.