World renowned sculptor to create artwork for Weymouth
Bronze figures by Michael Sandle will be going on the Masonic Hall in Weymouth town centre
Last updated 21st Mar 2022
Weymouth is to feature the artwork of world renowned sculptor Michael Sandle.
His bronze figures will be added to the town centre Masonic Hall – completing the façade of the building 185 years after it was first envisaged.
Support for the project has come from a former Arts Council of Great Britain chairman, Lord Peter Palumbo who describes it as “a truly magnificent opportunity” which should be welcomed with open arms.
Professor of Architecture and and editor of Architectural Design Neill Spiller had written to tell Dorset Council: “As well as impressively designed, it is also multivalent in its meanings and symbolism commemorating Weymouth’s heroic contribution to World I and II, yet also depicting Faith and Hope in human form. In my opinion Weymouth would be lucky to have such an eloquent work giving, what at the moment is a fairly mundane building, an original and vivacious presence that resonates with its own past in the town.”
The artworks will mark the town’s part in the two world wars.
Internal works to the building will need to be completed before they are erected to support the weight of the art installations.
The Trustees of All Souls Lodge will be fitting bronze sculptures within each empty niche either side of the main door with a larger piece spanning the triangular front section above the door.
The Grade Two listed building on the corner of School Street and St Thomas Street is one of the oldest 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.
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.”
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.