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Hon. Maggie Barry Minister of Culture and Heritage and RADM Jack Steer Chief of Navy |
The WW100 Commemorative Pavilion, and new AD Boyle room
was officially opened at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum by Hon Maggie Barry, Mar
5th.
Helen Pollock and Cmd David Wright, director of the Museum |
It is intended as a place of reflection and contemplation.
This beautiful
new community facility is now open to the public and is a multi purpose space
designed for the smooth delivery of education programmes, lectures, temporary
exhibitions and functions.
The centrepiece of the pavilion is a sculpture by
Devonport artist Helen Pollock called As Above, So Below commissioned by the Museum.
Helen with her art work |
The bronze and
water sculpture acknowledges the struggle and sacrifice of those who served at
sea during WW1, depicting the nobility
of their commitment and acknowledging the often appalling conditions they had
to endure.
It features a 'archaic' bronze ladder stretching seemingly
infinitely above and below - a nautical Jacob's ladder and a universal symbol of ascent.
The Dedication Ceremony |
It was dedicated at a ceremony at the museum by the
Bishop of Auckland Rt Rev. Ross Bay and the Navy Chaplain Colin Mason early
March.
Helen Pollock and Dr Lisbeth Jacobs Hon Belgian Consul in Auckland |
Victory Medal will tour to the battlefield towns of Arras,
Messines, and Le Quesnoy over the next four years.
She says "My father served as a signaller on the
Western Front from April 1918. He died when I was young and these 3 works are
basically retracing his footsteps."
Naval Sunset Ceremony at Torpedo Bay Navy Museum Opening |