It will consist of a larger than life bronze horse standing on an inscribed Portland stone plinth created by the British sculptor Susan Leyland. At the foot of the horse significant artefacts gathered from all corners of the UK will be placed in an authentic World War One artillery shell casing and buried within the stone plinth.
Alan Carr MBE, co-founder of The War Horse Memorial says Black Isle Bronze was appointed after careful consideration of other UK foundries because of its reputation, resources and attention to detail.
He explains: “Our memorial will pay tribute to the nobility, courage, unyielding loyalty and immeasurable contribution these animals played in giving us the freedom of democracy we all enjoy today, and will signify the last time the horse would be used on a mass scale in modern warfare.
“We needed a foundry that would reflect our aspirations and would be willing to work closely with sculptor Susan Leyland to create perfection. We need the cast to be perfect. After all, this horse will represent the millions of animals that gave their service and sacrifice.”
Black Isle Bronze Director Farquhar Laing says he’s delighted and proud that the work is coming to his foundry and to Scotland. “ I believe our strength is attention to detail in the form and texture, combined with our knowledge of classic and contemporary materials, allowing for cast sensitive work and quality finishing.
“Many horses, mules and donkeys were shipped to the Western Front from farms and villages across Scotland and records show that the Scottish Horse Yeomanry served with distinction throughout the four-year long campaign. I take a personal and professional interest in this project as my staff and I all have family members affected by World War One ”.
The monument, which will be sited in Ascot and unveiled in June 2018, will consist of a larger than life bronze horse standing on an inscribed Portland stone plinth and funded by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. At the foot of the horse, significant artefacts gathered from all corners of the UK will be placed in an authentic World War One artillery shell casing and buried within the stone plinth.
Private funding will pay for all costs relating to the 1.5 times life size bronze horse and a nearby stone monolith. This will incorporate augmented technology, which is created by overlaying computer-generated content to give an enhanced view of real life. It’s believed it will be the first time this method of communicating information and history will have been used on a national monument.
For more information please contact Susan Osborne, Director of Communications, The War Horse memorial on 07836 229208 or Farquhar Laing at Black Isle Bronze, 4A Balmakeith Business Park Nairn, on 01667 455172.