The new Memorial Cenotaph for Penrith, a recent work from Terrance Plowright Studios , has been unveiled by the Governor of NSW, Marie Bashir on Friday the 31st of October.
Terrance Plowright has designed and built the entire memorial. The whole project took over 18 months in which Terrance Plowright initially delivered six possible designs, some especially contemporary, others more traditional. It was the more tradition concept that finally got the nod.
The project required more than 20 tonnes of local sandstone, a major stainless steel sculptural element, (The Eternal Flame), 4 cast bronze figures, stone tablets, bronze tablets and 4 cast bronze badges. There are also two large stainless steel frames/lintels, dowelled into the sandstone beams. Terrance Plowright has also employed networks of programmed LED’s and soft lighting throughout the memorial.
The main memorial is over 8m wide and 3m high, with 4 large naming walls, which sit in front and too the side of the main feature.
The entire sculptural element was built in Terrance Plowright’s studio over the period of 15 months. Terrance Plowright would also like to pay tribute to Penrith RSL and Penrith City Council, whose unbinding faith in his abilities led to a cooperative and pro active spirit throughout the entire project.
Terrance Plowright feels this memorial is not only a credit to his own effort, but also the RSL and Penrith Council. Without their steadfast commitment to seeing the project completed on time for the 31st, of October unveiling and the 11th November ceremony, Terrance Plowright Studios would have not finished on time.
This new work, which is a major memorial artwork for the City of Penrith, hopeful will set an agenda for more substantial artwork throughout the city.
