Published on:
30
June 2022
A two year programme of work to repair and restore Clackmannanshire’s war memorials is progressing well.
Work got underway in April following the appointment of a number of specialist contractors to carry out this sensitive work.
Work to date has involved the major refurbishment of Alloa’s memorial, an impressive bronze statue by Charles D'Orville Pilkington Jackson depicting St Margaret and troops at the trenches during the First World War. One of Jackson’s most famous statues is that of Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn.
The bronze name plaques have also been refurbished at Alloa, as well as at Menstrie, Alva and Coalsnaughton war memorials.
The next stage of work will involve the repointing of the lime mortar joints and stone cleaning at these monuments by specialists.
Contractors supporting the Council in this work are Graciela Ainsworth Sculpture Conservation, The Scottish Lime Centre Trust and Powderhall Bronze Art Studio.
Investment to date is in the region of £30,000 with a similar level of investment expected to be spent in 2023/24.
Provost Donald Balsillie visited Alloa War Memorial last week to see the renovations for himself. His visit coincided with the marking of Armed Forces Day and the anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn. He said: “I am delighted to see local craftsmen involved in the restoration our local war memorials. The Alloa War Memorial, designed by renowned sculptor Charles Pilkington Jackson and architect Sir Robert Lorimer, is of national significance. It features the poignant bronze of St Margaret with the Alloa shield crest looking down on the grim sight of three soldiers fighting through the mud to cut the barbed wire of the battlefield. This sculpture was no doubt inspired by the sculptor’s own First World War experiences while serving with the Ayrshire field Artillery (52 Lowland Division).
“With Clackmannanshire’s own Armed Forces Day being held on 24th June I was once again reminded of the importance of recognising the men and women of Clackmannanshire who served in our armed services.”
Following the completion of work at Alloa later this summer, restoration will begin at Alva War Memorial. This will involve the removal of the Celtic cross and the adjoining shaft to undergo repairs to a crack in the stone as a result of water ingress to the steel pins inserted for stability and alignment during the original erection.
Alloa War Memorial was unveiled on 28th September 1924 by Field Marshall The Earl Haig and had cost £4,400 to erect.