New artwork postponed to protect veterans attending.
The launch of Brixham Future Community Interest Company (1) new artwork to mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War (1939-1945) has been postponed until 2021. The new artwork was due to be unveiled on Remembrance Day by Mr. Fred Bates, a 104 year old Veteran of both the North Africa and Italian campaigns. The Chair of Brixham Future john Brennan States:
`` It is with great regret that our Board took this decision. The latest restrictions reduced public gatherings from 30 to 6 people and who knows what will now follow. Many of the attendees would have been older veterans and despite their willingness we felt it unfair to ask them. Also the majority of the public would not have been able to attend the dedication service. It seems such a shame following on from the cancelled VE Celebrations in May which we anticipated would have attracted at least 20,000 people to the 60 free activities and events. We can confirmed that we will install the artwork sometime in the new year and officially launch at some time then.``
The new artwork will compliment and link with the existing WW1 profiles opposite the main Brixham Bus Station. Both artworks are designed by the same local artist Lynne Peets, who runs a gallery with her 2 sisters in Middle Street, Brixham. The metalwork and placement work will be carried out by the same well known local firm Western Engineering in Castor Road, Brixham.
The artwork design includes 125 individual poppies representing a life that was lost as recorded on the towns War Memorial. All the poppies are individual and are hand-made by Izzie Lomas, a well respected local artist. Many other Brixham people were killed, lost at sea, injured and suffered in World War Two.
The WW2 figures represent the `shadows` of that departed generation as a tribute to them from the town. The figures include Winston Churchill, our Prime Minister who provided the country with decisive leadership and figures of the 3 machines (aeroplanes, tanks and ships) and infantryman who delivered the victory. The symbolism is that the nature of war was being transformed from mainly human combat to machines- a process that continues today.
The project co-ordinator and Board Member John Ruddensays:
``It is important that we remember the sacrifice of previous generations. Many of their descendants still live in Brixham. The artwork will be on public display and will add to the cultural assets of the town. Small projects like these can make a big difference as they bring people together and improve our environment. We are grateful to everyone who helped thus far and we are sorry for the disappointment.``
(1) Brixham Future CIC is a not for profit local community group that delivers small scale, quick win, low cost, affordable projects that improve Brixham. They previously deliver the WW1 Shadows project ; the 9 days of 40 free public events to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day 1st -9thJune last year ; 2 new wall murals and new planters in the main town car park.
