Tributes to artist who designed Bradford City Fire Memorial

The Lord Mayor of Bradford has passed on condolences to the family of Jockel Reisner following his death last week.

Jockel Reisner was from the Bradford's twin town of Hamm and was a German artist who designed the Bradford City Fire memorial.

He regularly visited Bradford, with a show of his work held at Cartwright Hall in Lister Park. He also donated some of his pieces to the University of Bradford.

He died last Wednesday at the age of 85. Together with his wife Joyce they were one of the driving forces behind the town twinning of Hamm and Bradford.

Jockel Reisner (Image: newsquest)

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Martin Love, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Jockel Reisner.

"He created the bronze sculpture which stands in Centenary Square, commemorating those who lost their lives and were injured in the Bradford City Fire Disaster in 1985 and a twin monument which stands outside the Town Hall in Hamm.

"He and his wife Joyce were leading lights in the twinning links forged between Hamm in Germany and our district.

"He was a fine artist and a good friend to Bradford and his loss will be very keenly felt. I had the privilege to meet Jockel and Joyce when they attended the commemoration event last year and my thoughts are with Joyce and their family at this very sad time.”

The remaining members of the Shipley Hamm exchange club would also like to send their condolences to his wife Joyce.

Jockel was a much-loved friend and an adopted Yorkshire man, the club said.

They will be visiting the memorial at the time of his funeral and leaving a wreath in his honour.