Aesthetics of war memorial design (From Worcester News)

Aesthetics of war memorial design

8:10am Thursday 9th September 2010 in

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SIR – The contents of my letter regarding the new war memorial in Gheluvelt Park, Worcester, were not concerns as Phil Pegler says (Letters, September 1) but more in the vein of observations and opinions. I do understand the feelings and sentiment behind the layout and even the reasoning behind the panels but the aesthetic appeal is just not there. Throughout the country there are memorials representing our dead servicemen and women, some more statuesque than others, though all equally as poignant and reverential when viewed by ex-comrades and the public. Often, a more simplistic approach is far more moving than a huge over emphasis such as the one in Gheluvelt Park. Often in my life, while saddened by the seemingly endless list of named dead on a huge wall memorial, I have been equally humbled by just a few names on a small but well maintained cross in a remote village.

I am sure that those who are represented by the current monolithic memorial would be pleased to be remembered in this way but possibly they would be more than satisfied by a simpler memorial, surrounded by a flower bed and seats that are regularly maintained.

Greg Fester, Malvern