Miles Hammond Memorial Sculpture
Located beside the Black Bridge on Matthiasville Road, this welded steel tree sculpture stands as a touching tribute to Miles Hammond, who passed away in February 2021 just after his first birthday.
Donated to the Town of Bracebridge by residents Kate and Kent Hammond, the sculpture was unveiled in October 2022 with artist Hilary Clark Cole, Mayor Rick Maloney, and members of Council in attendance.
Standing 6.5 feet tall, the tree’s form and strength symbolize resilience, remembrance, and the preciousness of life. Nestled along the tranquil Muskoka River, the location offers a peaceful space for reflection—inviting all who visit to pause and appreciate its meaning.
“Thank you to the Hammond family for making this very special contribution to the Town’s public art collection and to Hilary Clark Cole for bringing it to life. The Town of Bracebridge is committed to community wellness and vitality, and public art is something that brings people together and starts conversations. While Miles’ time with us was short, this beautiful tree sculpture will help keep his memory alive and hopefully spark joy for all who see it.”
— Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge
“We are so grateful to the many people who came together to make this beautiful piece possible. For our family, this sculpture is another way to celebrate Miles’ short life and his spirit of grit and strength. We hope that it brings community members a place of peace and remembrance for many years to come.”
— Kate and Kent Hammond
About The Artist
Hilary Clark Cole is a Muskoka-based sculptor renowned for her expressive, hand-built metal works. Working primarily in welded steel and cast bronze, her sculptures often blend materials such as copper or brass to create dynamic, textural pieces that capture strength and emotion.
Cole has produced a large body of one-of-a-kind metal sculptures, found in both private collections and public installations across the region.
“It was a pleasure to be selected by Kate and Kent Hammond to create this memorial sculpture. The Hammond family has so graciously shared Miles’ life and loss with the community. I am honored to have had the opportunity to create the first piece of public art accessioned through the Town’s Public Art Advisory Committee.” — Hilary Clark Cole
Contact Us
Town of Bracebridge
1000 Taylor Court
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1R6
Phone: (705) 645 5264