Ephemeral monuments are everywhere. They are warnings to others and they serve important mourning functions for loved ones struggling with the sudden loss of a son, daughter, lover or friend. But how long does an ephemeral monument last? And can strangers also share in the grief associated with the site of mourning? This photograph shows the ephemeral monument to the Torino football player Gigi Meroni who was hit by a car on this corner of Corso Re Umberto in 1967 at the age of 24. The photograph, framed in plexiglass, gives the site a slightly more permanent air, but the materials gathered around it are typically ephemeral: fresh flowers, flags, notes scribbled on multi-coloured pens, balloons and ribbons are regularly found on the site. Very often the writing on these notes is that of a child and it is not uncommon to find teddy bears and other child treasures tied to the post. These are new mourners paying tribute to the footballer, many of them not even born when the player lost his life. Mourning at the site of his death becomes a ritual of belonging to the club. Perhaps that’s why this ephemeral monument has lasted so long.

If you have pictures and materials on other ephemeral monuments you would like to share please send them to us.