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Melbourne

Melbourne wall memorial is an alabaster plaque measuring approximately 920 x 600mm. The plaque features a carved inscription commemorating those that fell in the First World War, which is in-painted in black, with the final line rubricated. The top of the memorial features a small red cross above a gilded frond of laurel leaves. The dates are inlaid in bronze and are separated by an inlaid bronze outline of the stone cross located outside the church. Melbourne war memorial is fitted flush into the wall of the north aisle of St Michael with St Mary's Church in Church Square, Melbourne, Derby.

In 2015 a grant of £2,250 was offered through the War Memorials Trust Grants Scheme towards cleaning and repair work. The alabaster was swabbed with cotton wool dampened in White Spirit to remove surface soiling. The eroded channels in the alabaster caused by dripping water were filled using pure gypsum and in-painted to blend in. The letters were in-painted in black to match the original and a layer of microcrystalline wax was applied to the plaque. A layer of microcrystalline wax tinted with a pigment was applied to enhance the original patina of the bronze, whilst the gilded areas were painted with a red ochre and oil gilded with 23.5 carat gold. Joints were re-pointed using a lime based mortar.

The Melbourne war memorial plaque was formally unveiled and dedicated by the Archdeacon of Derby, Dr Noakes, in December 1921.

Further information

War Memorials Trust reference WM9096
UK National Inventory of War Memorials: 14310

War Memorials Online: www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/node/161653

If you have a concern about this memorial please contact the Trust on conservation@warmemorials.org

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