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WEYMOUTH MEMORIAL SCULPTURE

- Michael Sandle RA -

Welcome to our website which details a major sculptural project for Weymouth featuring work by world renowned artist and sculptor Michael Sandle RA. This inspiring and important feature not only embraces the legacy of Georgian patronage and architecture, for which Weymouth is so famous, but also records the world events in which Weymouth has played a significant part.

Michael was born in Weymouth in 1936 and it seems fitting that work by such a revered artist should be represented in the town. Among his numerous celebrated works are several public sculptures, many of which take their inspiration from the theme of war.

This project will bring together the vision and skill of the artist by placing a memorial on the front of Weymouth Masonic Hall. The work will comprise of two statues in the niches representing Hope and Faith. The Tympanum space will house the depiction of Charity, Weymouth in the two world wars.

The Tympanum

The Tympanum shows an Allegory of Charity in the form of a condensed pictorial representation of Weymouth’s WW1 History when it took in wounded Anzacs from the Gallipoli Campaign, and its WW2 History when the USA sent Troops and Materials to help defeat the Nazi’s. Many Americans set off from Weymouth to their certain deaths. Weymouth also took in Sikhs in WW1 who had been wounded in the Somme.

All are acts of remarkable Charity which is why I have chosen this rather than the usual breast feeding Matron.

Also, as the whole building is rather small, this relief with a lot of detail and forced perspective will help give the illusion that the building is bigger.

In the corners are depictions of shot down German and British warplanes with a Luftwaffe Cross and RAF Roundel.

Michael Sandle RA

FAITH

All Souls Lodge has played a vital part in many of Weymouth historical events since it first met in Weymouth in 1804. Masters of All Souls have been present at the laying of foundation stones of: the stone pedestal of the King’s statue (1809), the first stone bridge (1821), the embankment capital wall (1834), the Guildhall (1837) and the Royal Hospital and Dispensary (1871), all performed with Masonic processions and appropriate Masonic ceremony.

The Weymouth Masonic hall was built and dedicated in 1816, and completed by the addition of the façade in 1834, and has been the focus of masonry in Weymouth. The two niches and pediment were always intended to house the classical depictions of the three virtues; Faith, Hope and Charity.

This exciting project by a world renowned artist, gives the perfect opportunity to fulfil the original ambition of the 19th century architect and completes the masonic hall for the 21st century. The three virtues now include a wonderful and stimulating interpretation of charity with the vision of the part charity played in Weymouth's history. This vision of Faith, Hope and Charity shows the masonic narrative of those who sacrificed so much in the defence of freedom and gives us a timely reminder of the value of these virtues, now and into our future.

HOPE

"Weymouth, unlike most towns and villages in Britain, does not have a proper memorial to commemorate the town’s dead in the various wars and conflicts of the 20th century. Michael Sandle’s sculpture will add immeasurably to Weymouth’s history, and give the town a work of international artistic importance." - Paul Atterbury.

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