Bairnsdale Cenotaph

Main and Service Streets BAIRNSDALE, EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE

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Vic. War Heritage Inventory

Bairnsdale Cenotaph 2.jpg

Statement of Significance

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  • Physical Description 1

    Bairnsdale Cenotaph - Physical Description 1

    VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The monument is a pylon, elegant and subtly proportioned. It is set in the Main Street Gardens,on a bluestone base which is approached by three bluestone steps. The plinth tapers, there is a bevelled step, then tapers f urther finishing in an ovolu step. The sandstone body diminishes further. There is a frieze at the top over a moulding and inset panels on each side (the frieze does not diminish). It is finished with a broad tapered capping. The broad side panels have a white marble cross on which is planted a bronze sword to the North and a torch facing South. The front and back panels have inset inscribed marble tablets. All such monuments are derived from Sir Edwin Lutyens original conception of the cenotaph in Whitehall, London completed only two years earlier (1919-20). However the effect of the Bairnsdale m6nument is of an Egyptian pylon, such as the Temple of Isis at Philae (283-47BC). In the shadow of such eloquence, the little crazy paved dwarf garden wall which forms the memorial to the Second Waris rather sad by comparison.

    Physical Description 2

    Bairnsdale Cenotaph - Physical Description 2

    Walls: bluestone and sandstone roof

    Integrity

    Bairnsdale Cenotaph - Integrity

    Excellent.

    Veterans Description for Public

    Bairnsdale Cenotaph - Veterans Description for Public

    The Bairnsdale Cenotaph, elegant and subtly proportioned commemorates those who engaged in the First World War, Second World War, Malaya, Korea Borneo, Vietnam and Kuwait. It is set in the Main Street Gardens, on a bluestone base which is approached by three bluestone steps. The plinth tapers, there is a bevelled step, then tapers further finishing in an ovolu step. There is a frieze at the top over a moulding and inset panels on each side. It is finished with a broad tapered capping. The broad side panelsfeature a white marble cross on which is planted a bronze sword to the North and a torch facing South. The front and back panels have inset inscribed marble tablets. All such monuments are derived from Sir Edwin Lutyens original conception of the cenotaph in Whitehall, London completed only two years earlier (1919-20). However the effect of the Bairnsdale monument is of an Egyptian pylon, such as the Temple of Isis at Philae (283-47BC). In the shadow of such eloquence, the little paved dwarf garden wall which forms the memorial to the Second World War forms a sharp contrast.

    The Bairnsdale Soldiers' and Sailors' Fathers Association established a committee to develop a Memorial in 1920. It was designed by T. C. Inches of the 0ffice of Harry French, Architect. The stone carver was W. Bird, monumental mason. The foundation stone was laid on 5th April 1922 by the Shire President, Edward Taylor and the completed monument was unveiled by the Governor General, Lord Foster on 10th October 1922. A large honour roll of polished ironbark made by W. McKnockiter and W. Langdon had already been unveiled in December 1921 by the Governor of Victoria, Lord Stradbroke on the Westwall of the Council Chamber. It has now been relegated to the Historical Museum Collection. The Second World War Memorial was not unveiled until 16th August 1955 by Lieut. Colonel C. J. Bowden, M.C. It was built by an Italian tradesman, Sr. Romanezi at a cost of £1000 ($2,000).

    Heritage Study and Grading

    Heritage Study and Grading

    East Gippsland - Town of Bairnsdale Urban Conservation Study

    Author: Richard Peterson
    Year: 1988
    Grading: B

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