A memorial sculpture has been unveiled in honour of Robert Richards, the Glastonbury Festival veteran who helped shape both the world-famous event.

Richards, who served as the festival's commercial director and later as a trustee of Glastonbury Abbey, died in 2022, and his wife Ann-Marie Buckley set out to create a lasting tribute to him at the abbey, a place that meant so much to them both.

She worked with award-winning artist Wolfgang Buttress on a sculpture inspired by Robert's love of nature and bees — a theme reflected in Buttress's 2019 Glastonbury Festival installation BEAM.

"Robert and Ann-Marie were both extraordinary and special people," said Buttress. "I loved the time that we spent together and feel honoured to have been asked to create this memorial for both of them. I hope that this sculpture is a fitting testament to their love of nature, culture and for each other. I also hope that visitors to the Abbey enjoy spending time in the memorial and make positive connections with the history, architecture and landscape of this amazing site."

The final sculpture – a corten steel honeycomb shelter housing a hardwood bench – was unveiled on Friday 30 May in the abbey orchard. It was made possible through donations from friends, family and colleagues.

Ann-Marie, who sadly died before the project was completed, had hoped the piece would bring people to the space Robert cherished.

Janet Bell MBE, director of Glastonbury Abbey, said: "Ann-Marie really wanted to create a beautiful sculpture at the abbey, not only as a lasting memorial to Robert, but also to bring people here, to a place he loved so much and to which he dedicated so much time and thought. We feel very honoured to host this wonderful, sensitive piece by Wolfgang and so pleased that we were able to accommodate Ann-Marie's wishes."

Festival fans will remember Richards not only for his behind-the-scenes role at Pilton but also for his passion for heritage, culture and sustainability — themes that live on in this new memorial space.

The sculpture is now open for visitors, offering a place to pause, reflect, and remember one of Glastonbury's most influential figures.