C O N T E X T 1 0 7 : N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 8 31 Joy russell Conserving war memorials War memorials, often fine examples of public art and sculpture, are poignant reminders of the scale of losses endured in two world wars and numerous other armed conflicts. A war memorial stands at the heart of almost every community in England. Collectively they provide a spectacular legacy of public art and sculpture. They are the result of a spontaneous, emotional response by bereaved families and communities on an enormous scale. The sheer variety and diversity of their forms and styles is astonishing. They range from simple plaques or crosses to statues, windows, gardens, fountains, lych gates or whole buildings such as hospitals, chapels and community halls. The concept of commemorating war dead did not develop to any great extent before the end of the 19th century. Until then war memorials were rare, and were mainly dedicated to individual officers or, occasionally, regiments. The Boer War of 1899–1902 was the first major war following reforms to the British Army that resulted in regiments being recruited from local communities, and with volunteer soldiers. As a result, the war was followed by the first large-scale erection of war memorials to the ordinary soldier. The majority of UK war memorials were erected following the first world war, when the loss of three quarters of a million British lives left aching gaps at the heart of every community in the country. The official policy of not repatriating the dead meant that war memorials provided a physical focus for the grief of millions of bereaved people, a role they continue to perform today. Usually they were paid for by public subscription, but in some cases their cost was met by private donation. Occasionally, existing public monuments such as market crosses were adopted as the local war memorial. As a result, it can be difficult to identify legal ownership and responsibility for their maintenance and upkeep. The War Memorials (Local Authorities’ Powers) Act 1923 attempted to address this problem, giving local authorities the right – but not the obligation – to use public money for the maintenance, repair and protection of war memorials in their district. UK National Inventory of War Memorials In 1921, the newly-founded Imperial War Museum launched an appeal for photographs to record the new war memorials being erected throughout the country. Sadly, response was poor, so the opportunity to record this unique programme of construction of public commemorative art was lost. Decades later, the Imperial War Museum drew public attention to the dilapidated condition of many war memorials. The effects of time and pollution meant that inscriptions were becoming illegible and sculptural details were wearing away. As a result, the Nelson Monument, Exchange Flags, Liverpool (Photo: English Heritage) Memorial to Port Sunlight and Lever Brothers Ltd Employees, Port Sunlight (Photo: English Heritage)
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