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| The Nurse - The Lemnos Gallipoli Memorial. Photograph Jim Claven 2015 |
This is a major milestone in making our Memorial a reality.
In front of representatives of the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee Executive, major sponsors and supporters, and the media, Peter revealed his creation.
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| The happy viewers celebrate Peter's work. Photograph Dean Colls 2015 |
Peter explained the process by which he designed his sculpture. Drawing on the stories and photographs of the nurses on Lemnos - including the famous Matron Grace Wilson - as well as classical sculpture, Peter has created a lasting symbol of the 130 nurses who served on Lemnos in 1915. When fully assembled in Albert Park, she will be joined by a seated soldier, sheltering him from the horrors of war on the peninsula.
Peter explained that this final clay sculpture will now begin the process which will see it cast in bronze. He will also now finalise the sculpture of the seated soldier.
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| The sculpture with some of the photographs used by Peter as inspiration. Photograph Jim Claven 2015 |
Our President, Lee Tarlamis, thanked Peter for his tireless work and explained the road that we have travelled to get to this important point. For the last three years, the Committee has worked to ensure that the role of Lemnos in Australia's Anzac story is appropriately remembered and commemorated as part of the Centenary of Anzac. This sculpture and the Memorial it will form a major part is a key part of that commemoration. It's final erection at Albert Park will provide a lasting reminder of Lemnos role and a great legacy for future generations.
Lee pointed out that the next milestones will be the creation of the bronze nurse sculpture itself, followed by the completion of the soldier sculpture, the engraved stone plinth, memorial signage and eventually the assembly of the memorial at Albert Park planned for August this year. He pointed out that everything is on track for this event.
While most of the funding for the sculpture has been secured, more is needed. Lee also explained our new project - a complementary book, a major and authoritative re-telling of the Lemnos role in Anzac, focusing on the photographs from 1915 and the words of the Anzacs themselves.
He also mentioned our forthcoming fundraising event - the Lemnos Gallipoli Photographic Exhibition to be held on 22 march at the Thessaloniki Association in High Street Northcote. He urged all to attend.
Lee thanked all those who have supported our work - including the City of Port Phillip, the Marble Centre, the Lemnian Community of Victoria, the RSL Hellenic Sub-Branch and George Petrou - as well as all the sponsors and members of the community who have purchased our badges or attended our functions. Well done.
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| Peter Corlett explaining his inspiration. Photograph Jim Claven 2015 |
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| Lee Tarlamis addresses the crowd. Photograph Jim Claven 2015 |
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| Peter with his creation. Photograph Jim Claven 2015 |
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| Litsa Athanasiadis of the Pontiaki Eastia with our nurse sculpture. Photograph Jim Claven 2015 |
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| Our Treasurer Terry Paule admiring the work. Photograph Jim Claven 2015 |
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| Louise Skacej, sculptor and Peter's model for the nurse. Photograph Jim Claven 2015 |
The event was also attended by media representatives - SkyNews, the Herald Sun and Neos Kosmos.
Everyone enjoyed Peter and Willys' hospitality and welcome to Peter's studio at their home. And another thank you to Louise Skacej (aka the nurse!) and her partner Dean Colls for all their help on the night. Thanks to Peter, Willys, Louise and Dean - much appreciated!
Note SkyNews will be running a news item on this event tomorrow (Friday 20 Feb) or Saturday 21 Feb. Keep an eye out for it!
Jim Claven
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee
Below are some images of the sculpture. Photographs by Jim Claven 2015
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