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MOSSEL BAY NEWS & VIDEO - The mosaics on the Mossel Bay War Memorial is meticulously being repaired by mosaic artist Julian Phillips. Julian is working in close association with the chair or the Mossel Bay Heritage Association, Carina Wiggel.
Julian says it seems that especially water damage is the main cause of damage to the mosaics that adorn the front of the memorial where some of the tiles have come loose.
"Finding tiles to replace the damaged ones are a bit of a challenge. It seems the tiles were handmade at the time. Luckily the original artist used different colours, so it is easier to blend. If I find the right colours, then I can blend the background and everything in. Hopefully, my work here will make the mosaics last another fifty years or so."
Julian has extensive experience as a mosaic artist, both in the Southern Cape and in Cape Town. Some of his original work can also be seen in Thembalethu in George. He says the work being done is important as it serves to remind residents of the people who have served the community and the country.
The idea for the monument was spearheaded by the Moth Shellhole Veteran Organisation to commemorate all those from Mossel Bay who died defending their Country in the First and Second World War, the Korean War and all the soldiers who guarded the South Africa's borders.
The names of these soldiers have been set over a map of Africa, upon which a line has been drawn in crimson mosaic, marking the places of birth and death of those whom the memorial commemorates.
The war memorial was designed by W. J. Delbridge who was an old Mossel Bay boy who kindly volunteered his services. All funds for the monument were raised by the Mossel Bay community through public subscription and various functions.
As custodians of the memorial, the Mossel Bay Municipality is funding the repairs that are now being done.
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