Designer Of Guildford’s Additional War Memorial Is Announced

Published on: 15 Dec, 2017
Updated on: 16 Dec, 2017

A design has been chosen by Guildford Borough Council for an additional memorial in the Castle Grounds to commemorate service personnel who have lost their lives in conflict since the end of World War Two.

An impression of what the additional war memorial will look like.

In a press release GBC stated: “Following a high number of responses to an expressions of interest by over 20 artists and sculptors a panel of military and local groups have chosen a design by David A Annand for a new memorial.

“Mr Annand will soon start consulting stakeholders, including the families of those being commemorated, on the details of the design before beginning work on creating a sculpture which will form the centre piece of the memorial.

Design profile

David Annand said: “It is a privilege to be asked to make this memorial for service personnel who have fallen since the end of the Second World War. The chosen site in the Castle Grounds is particularly special, historic and beautiful. It provides the perfect location to remember those who have died serving their country.”

Of his design he added: “The three arcs represent the army, the air force and the navy. Beneath the ‘nave’ created by the arcs, stands a bronze figure to represent those who have died.

“My research has revealed that as far as we know there were no female casualties from the Guildford area and so I have designed the sculpture as male. He would not be wearing a specific uniform and would possibly be standing at ease. Final decisions about the precise details will be made following consultation with stakeholders.”

The deputy leader of Guildford Borough Council, Cllr Matt Furniss, said: “We are delighted to announce that David Annand has been commissioned to create a new memorial for us. The existing memorial in the Castle Grounds honours the fallen of both world wars, but it is only right and fitting that we should also acknowledge and remember the sacrifice that others from the borough have made in conflicts and whilst on active service since 1945.”

“We will continue to consult with key stakeholders and we want to ensure that the names of all those residents of the borough who have died serving their country since World War Two are included on the memorial, so please contact us.”

The war memorial in the Castle Grounds that commemorates those who fell in the First and Second World Wars. Picture by Sheila Atkinson.

If you know of someone whose name should be included on the memorial, send an email to philippa.coldham@guildford.gov.uk ​

It is planned that the memorial will be officially unveiled in August 2018.

Guildford Borough Council has set aside £50,000 for the additional war memorial, to cover all fees, materials, fabrication and installation costs.

As of July 17, 2017, when The Guildford Dragon NEWS published a previous story on the proposed additional war memorial, 15 names had been identified to be commemorated on it.

Click here for previous story.

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