Having spent several months discussing exactly what the
Memorial committee wanted it was decided that an image of a fisherman would be
appropriate as the centre piece for the memorial.
The decision was made to move away form the 19th century Newlyn School image of our time. It was decided to steer away from the image of the fisherman struggling at the wheel against the elements such as the Fisherman's Memorial in Massachusetts, as not all sea tragedies are caused in rough condition; we have lost many men in fine weather around out coastline in recent years.
Having spent several months discussing exactly what the
Memorial committee wanted it was decided that an image of a fisherman would be
appropriate as the centre piece for the memorial.
The decision was made to move away form the 19th century Newlyn School image of our time. It was decided to steer away from the image of the fisherman struggling at the wheel against the elements such as the Fisherman's Memorial in Massachusetts, as not all sea tragedies are caused in rough condition; we have lost many men in fine weather around out coastline in recent years.
The sculptors is dealing with the lost fishermen of Newlyn, those that don't manage to throw their landing lines ashore anymore, that moment of return that sadly not all make.
The image that you see in the pictures is modelled using
real items such as brace and bib and rhino shirt fitted to an articulated steel
armature. The detail and texture of these items will be transferred in to the
final casting by vinyl moulding and lost wax casting.
By casting directly from fisherman's clothing a photo reality will be achieved to the work ware of the fisherman, whilst the head and hands modelled in clay will convey the emotional human aspect of the piece.
The sculpture stands on a bronze and granite plinth 600mm high by 1000mm long, set at this height, the sculpture will have an intimate relationship with the viewer and not distance itself by a monolithic plinth. A netted shoal of fish cast in bronze will divide the plinth in two around its middle and create a visual reference to the piece.
I decided to model the figure on the plinth for this consultation rather than sketch the idea as I believe it is easier to visualise the finished piece from the photographs on display than from a drawing. The model itself is not completed and is basically an idea sketched out in 3 dimensions so as to explain the proposal, it is that if approval is given that the sculpture can be then further developed to a finished piece prior to casting in to bronze.
The setting for the memorial is at the gateway to Newlyn, resting within a few yards of the harbour entrance, offering a quiet spacious area for people to reflect on the nature of the memorial.
The design for the seating is based upon the curve of the old quay in Newlyn; the sheltering nature of the quay will provide some protection for the public whilst viewing the memorial. It is hoped to use the granite from the old road between Newlyn and Penzance to make the seating, placing the stones rather than cutting them in to the required shape.
I wish to point out that only the granite that is soon to be lost further down the beach and the granite which has been misused in the rock armour would be used for this, not the interlocking sets seen below the memorial area. Additional stone from Penlee will be used to make up any short fall in the design of the seating and the additional rock armour required.
Two bas-relief panels, set within large granite stones at the end of the seating, will mark the entrance to the site. They will be made of both bronze and copper, reflecting the long heritage in Newlyn of hand-crafted copper work. The panels will convey a message of respect to those we have lost, whilst showing images drawn form Newlyn and the harbour.
Tom Leaper
Memorial at Newlyn to Fishermen lost at Sea
“We wish to provide a memorial of which the bereaved
families, the industry and the public will be proud”.
This exhibition is an important state toward the creation and unveiling of a public memorial to all those fishermen in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly who have, sadly, lost their lives at sea.
It was just over a year ago that a public meeting at the Mission launched a fund-raising campaign to provide such a permanent and worthy Memorial.
The decision followed a series of fishing tragedies that touched the hearts of the Cornish community and drew sharply into focus ‘the true cost of fish’. Since then, local and national efforts have been continued by a committee comprising all sections of the community from the fishing industry to local associations, the arts and business life.
There has been an overwhelming response and to date some £30,000 has been raised. It is a serious challenge and this public display is a stride towards that ambition. Following a brief laid out by the committee, sculptor’s Tom Leaper and Michael Johnson, both of Newlyn, have put together this presentation.
The committee has been greatly encouraged by the support if has received. We are currently awaiting news from the Charity Commission on the success of our application for Charity status and registration. Then further applications can be made towards meeting the proposed target of £50,000.
Thank you for your support and interest,
Douglas Williams MBE
Memorial Committee Chairman
Primary aims of the Newlyn Fishermen’s Memorial Committee
- To raise funds for the creation of a permanent memorial to fishermen lost at sea whilst fishing from the port of Newlyn.
- To provide memorial and place of contemplation for all those directly and indirectly affected by the loss of such fishermen.
- In memory of all fishermen lost from the port of Newlyn. From Cornwall and throughout the country.
- To provide a focal point that conveys the high regard the people of Newlyn and afar hold for those lost and those left behind.
- To create a memorial that is contemporary in it’s outlook, reflecting the community we life in today
Key elements for the design of the memorial
Tom Leaper and Michael Johnson have been asked by the Newlyn Fishermen’s Memorial Committee to submit a full design brief towards the construction of a memorial. The following describes how they feel they could best create the vision held by the Committee.
- A life size figurative representation of a contemporary fishermen
- The sculpture will be made using clothing and equipment of the modern fisherman. This detail will be captured when cast in bronze, conveying a sense of realism and the condition in which fishermen work today.
- To mount the figure on a granite and bronze base
- To create two bas-relief panels conveying the intention of the memorial and images of the life and spirit of Newlyn.
- To create seating around the memorial that provides protection from the elements and a sense of intimacy for those who want to sit and contemplate.
- To use materials that are durable and where possible reflect the nature of Newlyn
Donations towards the project
Donations via cheque may be sent to:
Hon.Treasurer, Mrs Shirley Stevenson
c/o Th Fishermen's Mission
North Pier, Newlyn, Penzance,
Cornwall TR18 5JB
please make your cheque payable to: Newlyn Memorial to Fishermen Lost at Sea.
