A very enjoyable and cordial meeting was held at Peter Corlett's studio in Fitzroy a couple of weeks ago.
A number of Peter's works are seen here - Beersheba, Bullecourt Digger, Cobbers, Simpson and His Donkey, and the artist himself working on the Beersheba statue.
The process of the creation of our "cadet' statue involves a clay model, then the "larger than life" size model, and then the casting in bronze.
In keeping with the re-dedication of Badcoe Hall, Peter suggested that the "face" of the "cadet" be that of Peter Badcoe. This helps Peter in his work as he is a "humanist" and the statue takes on a "persona".
At present the Request to have the statue at Portsea is with the Point Nepean Community Trust Board, which will meet towards the end of Aug. All being well, we should have the concurrence we need to go ahead. The cost of the statue's creation, including transport, mounting and plaque is in the order of $100,000. The intention is that Alumni members will be invited to contribute $100 (+ or -) each (a "funds thermometer" will be on this site to progressively indicate contributions progress. Gerard Nelson will open an account specifically for the project, and Alumni members will be able to deposit their contributions directly via direct deposit/bank transfer, or cheque. The account details will be made known early in September. Contributors may have their names added to a "list" on the website in acknowledgement of their contribution, although amounts contributed will not be listed.
The widest possible promulgation of this project is requested so that Alumni members can have ample opportunity to make their contributions. Remember, Alumni members are all cadets (graduated or not) and staff of the OCS from mid 1952 to end 1985.
By all means, please leave a "comment" and let's know your thoughts...!
2 comments:
Rob, I have no objection to a contribution of $100.00 - but you'll need to increase the hysteria in some centralised form or other. The Class of 69 has begun discussing the matter off-line from this forum. My guess is most members who plan on attending our 40 year celebration in June next year will be of a similar opinion... Regards, Ivan Carswell Class of 69
Thanks Ivan, really appreciate you making a comment.
The concern is not in the money or the amount, the concern is more the concurrence of the Alumni. It's not a decision I will make (or want to) alone. I need a hell of a lot of "accords" from members to even consider going ahead. 50 odd out of 3000 odd doesn't show majority support! It might be "pushing it uphill" a bit to even expect 1000, but at least we would need something close to that to say the decision was "representative". The whole process of approval for anything like a statue will take quite some time, but if we delay the process until after a State body takes over, I believe our chances would be further diminished. As long as the approvals are obtained, then it covers us for the actual construction afterwards.
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