Soldiers' Memorial Competition

Progress, Volume XIV, Issue 6, 1 February 1919, Page 424

Soldiers' Memorial Competition

This competition brought nineteen designs, viz—- " Thomas Atkins," by Edward G. Le Petit, Hamilton; "Jonquil,'' by William Jaques, Motueka.; "100," by M. Honore, Napier; "Cyma," by J. 1. King, Wellington; "Stronghold," by James E. Hoy, Wellington; "Omega," by W. F. C. Vine, Wellington; "Pen" and "Inkey," by Geo. Penlington, Wellington; "Astylar," by G. Glenton Hunt, Auckland; "Stone," by N. A. Paterson, Wellington: "Kismet," by J. I. King, Wellington; "Pax," by H. L. Hickson, Wellington; "Bar," by R. N. Wakelin, Wellington; "Effort" and "Junior," by G. F. Wilson, Wellington; "O," by J. O. Owen, Auckland; "Pro Partie," by N. Walnutt. Auckland; "Pigeon," by A. V. Campbell, Wellington; "Sphere," by A. E. Shank, Dunedin. Messrs W. S. La Trobe, Joseph Ellis, and W. M. Page, who kindly adjudicated in this competition, report as follows:

"The response to this open competition has been, in some ways, very disappointing. It was the hope of the promoters that the practising architects and sculptors would submit designs, but, we should say that most of the drawings sent in are the work of students. As such, it is exceedingly successful and does the students infinite credit. The influence, of the Architectural Students' Associations is clearly evident, and Ave are confident that such a set of designs would not have, been forthcoming a few years aigo.

Many of the designs are very good and with a little further study and alteration would be very suitable and appropriate. The competition has made it clear that there are a number of designers here to whom, under guidance, the carrying out of Avar memorials may safely be entrusted, and therecan be no excuse for the erection of memorials such as were severely criticised in this magazine some time ago. In one respect, nearly all the competitors have shown a decided Aveakness. Great stress A\-as laid in the conditions. on the lettering, and the designs show a great want of study of good models. Competitors have failed to appreciate the importance of the arrangement of the inscription and the design of the letters. Even a very ordinary design will gain immensely if the inscription be good. The methods of the sigirwriter must be abandoned, and Ave suggest to the editor of "Progress" that a short illustrated article on the subject be published at an early date*

lii another direction the competition has failed, inasmuch as all the designs of a suitable nature would exceed the cost stated in the conditions. Certain of the designs, indeed, would cost as much as four times the amount laid down. We admit that the problem was a difficult one, but the whole object of the competition was to ascertain what could he done for a certain modest stipulated sum.. Mr W. J. Helyer, of Wellintgon, to whom we submitted what we considered the best of the designs, assures us that none of them could be carried out in the material, specified by . the competitors for two hundred and fifty pounds as laid down in the coni'This has been arranged for—Editor.)

ditions. We cannot, therefore, recommend that the full prizes be awarded to any design. We have, however, selected two designs, namely "Pen," and "Effort,"- and placed them equal first, and we suggest, that a prize of two guineas be awarded to each. On>? is, we consider, the best from an architectural point of view, although greatly exceeding the cost, and the other, also very satisfactory in design, mrre nearly approaches the stipulated sum than any .of the others. We append for the benefit of students h few remarks on the various designs.

for and the dwarf trees give the memorial a very wrong sense of scale.

"Effort."—, is difficult to say how this design could be improved. Perhaps the base might be slightly remodelled with advantage. In this case also the dwarf trees give a wrong effect.

"Pigeon."— This design, like "Effort," is an obelisk, but its stability is taken away by the hollow at the base of the shaft.,, The inscription panels are. too low and the accessory vases are too small to be effective.

“Inky.”—(ieneraly satisfactory, but the base is too much cut up and the top too heavy and detail coarse. The bronze panels do not seem to fit position, and the half brick thick wall is not sufficient for setting heavy slabs against. “Stone.”—The detail at top is too heavy and the lettering is execrable. “Cyma.”—A nice quite design, but of very usual type. The memorial tablet is placed too low and the dome would scarcely be seen. “Pen.” The general design is very good, but here again the name , panels are placed too low. The half inch drawing is not fully rendered as asked

“Kismet.” design is also an obelisk. The supporting wings and accessories are not happy and should certainly not be placed in the centre of the pedestal, but at the angles if employed at all. “100,” “Stronghold,” “Jonquil,” and “Sphere.” —The' authors of these designs will realise, after seeing the published designs, that they arc not yet ready to take part in such a competition. “Astylar.”This design suggests that it is intended to be executed in cast iron. The memorial tablets are much too near the ground and the lettering is very bad. “Omega’s” design is simple, but-not pleasing; the

base is wrongly treated and the jointing of masonary Js not right, Thomas Atkins*.”This design is very well drawn, but has the appearance of a monolithic structure with a suggestion of a mausoleum about it. The.' lettering shows great lack of study. The W. and M., being glaringly bad. “Pax” has a great deal to commend it and could easily.be made a very satisfactory memorial. It

•would be improved by omitting the string course and remodelling the detail at top. “0,” — is quite good architecturally. The top would be improved by keeping the uppermost course back on all four sides. No good mason would cut the top part of a-niche out of a single stone and then put false joints on it. This is artiface, not masonry . . , “Barkis simple, very simple, and suggests certain City Council erections one sees on the streets. No provision is made for panels for names.

“Junior.”—-The trees in the background give the memorial a wrong scale. Pro atria. This design is one of the best and is interesting by reason of the study which has been given to the surrounding lay-out. The inscription tablets ought to be vertical and the two lower divisions of the memorial are too equal. This design somewhat resemble “Pax’s,” and, like it, would be improved by omitting the string course at top of inscription panels. In most eases the lettering is not suitable for cutting in stone and leaves much to be desired. Common faults are showing a half round section to the incised letters instead of a V section. The Ss are frequently weak and several As have the thick stroke on the wrong side.— Signed, ' W. S. LA TROPE, * JOSEPH ELLIS, WILLIAM M. PAGE.