WEYMOUTH’S Masonic Hall is to install bronze artworks on the front of its building to mark the town’s part in the two World Wars.
Internal works to the town centre building will need to be completed at the same time – to support the weight of the art installations.
The project will mark the completion of an idea first suggested more than 180 years ago.
A planning application for the changes has been submitted to Dorset Council in the name of the Trustees of All Souls Lodge.
It asks to fit bronze sculptures within each empty niche either side of the main door and a larger piece spanning the triangular front section above the door.
The Grade Two listed building is one of the oldeest purpose-built Masonic Lodges in England.
The centre piece, above the door in the name of 'Charity', will represent Weymouth’s part in the First World War when the town looked after wounded Australian and New Zealand soldiers from the Gallipoli campaign and wounded Sikh soldiers from the Somme. It also depicts the town’s Second World War history as a departure port for American troops. The corners of the picture show shot down German and British warplanes with a Luftwaffe Cross and an RAF roundel.
The two niche artworks will show the traditional figures of “Faith’ and ‘Hope’, with the central, larger section an allegory to ‘charity.’
All of the artworks have been produced by Weymouth born internationally-renown artist Michael Sandle, a Royal Academy artist, and will require an internal framework being added to support the weight of the artwork.
Said a statement to Dorset Council from a planning agent, acting for the Lodge: “This is an incredibly exciting project for the town. Indeed, not only will the art installation serve to complete the original design vision for this prominent historic building, but it will also serve as a permanent memorial to those who sacrificed their lives in the two world wars; recognising the town’s rich military history, whilst at the same time celebrating the life and works of Michael Sandle RA who was, himself, born in Weymouth in 1936, before moving to Plymouth as an infant.”
Said planning agent Phil Watts: “The trustees of All Soul’s Lodge are delighted that Michael Sandle has suggested an artistically profound, significant and truly transformative bronze sculpture to depict the act of charity as an alternative to the usual breast-feeding matron.”
The Masonic Hall dates back to 1816 and is based on Roman and Greek architecture with a temple front, some of the details being added in 1834.
Documents from the Lodge show that as far back as 1837 there was an intention to install artwork to the front of the building.
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