More today from the plaster casts of the Vimy Ridge sculptures. What strikes me is the sense of mourning to these. Walter Allward had already been known for his work in sculptures and memorials, but the Vimy Ridge Memorial is his masterpiece and a powerful, heartbreaking work. There is no sense of jubilation or victory at that place, but grief and loss. This is what gives it such power, and that comes across in these.
This look back up the stairs includes a painting at the top, with a resurrection theme as its dominant element.
Here we have a model of the Vimy Memorial itself.
And here is the last grouping of these sculptures.
Beautiful sculptures as memorials. Have a great day. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful ! Must have been a lot of work !
ReplyDeleteAftera collapse, hopefully there will be resurrection. Let's hope also in 2021.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sculptures! Take care, have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteAmazing works!
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of Vimy Ridge, have you ever read "The Stone Carvers" by Jane Urquhart? Highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that incredible work. It certainly depicts the ravages of war.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing that stone can be made to express so much. Even in photographs the sense of sorrow is strong. (Of course they *are* very good photographs. ). Thank you for sharing this tour. I am not so sure I would have chosen to go to the War Museum, even if I’d ever had the chance , because I am too good at hiding from things I wish we didn’t have to worry about. But your posts have introduced me to it in a thoughtful way and I have enjoyed learning.
ReplyDeleteAmazing to see.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh they are spectacular William, incredible to see 💙
ReplyDeleteThey are very emotional.
ReplyDeleteThese are indeed very impressive.
ReplyDelete...they make a dramatic statement.
ReplyDeleteTotally amazing, thanks William.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
Delete@Nancy: thanks!
ReplyDelete@Gattina: years of work.
@Italiafinlandia: hopefully.
@Eileen: thank you.
@Iris: definitely.
@David: I'll have to look for it.
@Marie: you're welcome.
@Sallie: thank you.
@RedPat: that they are.
@Grace: I think so.
@Sharon: definitely.
@Jan: I agree.
@Tom: indeed.
i keep thinking each visit i will see your snowy view. we have had ice ...it is covering every surface ...and i wonder when i will get out. i don't like ice skating. kidding. don't even know how. just know i will stay home rather than ski any where. so not safe for travel. we need some warmer temps for it to melt. i wonder??! very quiet. limbs are falling left and right. so it will be a pick up stick kind of moment, when i get back out there when it is warmer. hope life is good. take care. ( ;
ReplyDeleteWould make a great hall of horrors for Halloween. :-)
ReplyDeleteThose plaster casts are terribly poignant and so beautifully done. (Are you under tons of snow?)
ReplyDeleteVery much a sense of grief and loss. Thank you for sharing this art.
ReplyDeleteNot very uplifting for the 'Season' put part of life ~ very talented sculpturer ~
ReplyDeleteLive with love each moment,
A ShutterBug Explores
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Powerful figures.
ReplyDeleteI find these statues very moving. Thanks for sharing them William.
ReplyDeleteGrief executed beautifully.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo, Allward's sculptures appear as if they can move in real life as they move our hearts.
ReplyDelete@Beth: thank you.
ReplyDelete@Revrunner: I can see that.
@Jeanie: surprisingly, no, but it's cold.
@DJan: you're welcome.
@Carol: I'll have more seasonal stuff in a few days.
@Joanne: that they are.
@Magiceye: I agree.
@Maywyn: they do.
We now understand what it is to live through much death and uncertainty! Canada is doing it right. My Canadian pal who lived 40 years in the islands went home to BC where he says he is being treated SO well by the gov workers as a senior! Re-connecting with friends of youth. But still wanting to come to Hawaii when possible. . . .
ReplyDeleteThat is good.
DeleteFine sculptures. I like them much more than tanks.
ReplyDeleteThey do stand out.
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