One Maidstone puts remembrance at new heights
This year, One Maidstone will take remembrance efforts in Maidstone to a whole new level, by producing and funding a large-scale window display honouring our forces, hosted by the Mall Maidstone.
This image offers a super-imposed mock-up of how the artwork will look to shoppers entering and leaving the Mall. The four panels will have a semi-transparent stained-glass effect, and have been designed to reflect peacetime, the Army, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Navy, approved by the Royal British Legion.
The dramatic artwork will be displayed from next week until the end of November. BID Manager, Ilsa Butler, says of the project:
‘As a Garrison town, Maidstone has a long and rich military history, and Remembrance Day is always a well observed and respected occasion throughout the borough.
Representing the town centre as the BID, we felt it was fitting to produce a high impact piece that would create a real statement to mark this year’s remembrance campaign, hopefully provoking thought and reflection amongst the many shoppers and workers who use the Mall on a daily basis. The design has been created to depict the Army, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, honouring all those who have given their lives and years of service to our country, in all forms of conflict, past and present.
It’s deeply important to us that the work has the approval of the Royal British Legion and representatives of the forces, and we appreciate the support of those parties, and of the Mall in allowing us to use this space so effectively.’
The Maidstone branch of the Royal British Legion will also be launching their Poppy Appeal in partnership with the Mall.
Catherine Crowhurst from the Maidstone branch of the Royal British Legion comments:
‘As the volunteer Poppy Appeal Organiser for Maidstone town centre I feel that the artwork planned by One Maidstone is a wonderful addition to the town. It is a beautiful representation of Remembrance which is extremely fitting at this reflective time of year.
We are hopeful that the replicated artwork on the former BrightHouse window on Level 2 will draw the public to our Poppy Appeal stand between Saturday 26th October and Saturday 9th November.’
When it came to sourcing space for such large panels, One Maidstone knew that a high-profile location, with mass footfall was required, and approached the Mall shopping centre, who kindly donated the use of their building frontage.
The Mall shopping centre’s General Manager, Andrew Davy says of the event,
‘The Mall are honoured to be taking part in One Maidstone’s remembrance project – this building is such a central focal point for visitors, workers and residents of the town centre, and we were happy to offer the space to allow maximum exposure for the display.
The transparent design means that both those entering and leaving the centre will have a good view of the artwork, and it will be visible to pedestrians and bus, car and taxi passengers.
As a centre, we are always very proud to support Remembrance Day, by providing space for poppy sellers and hosting our own remembrance service, so it was only natural that we would welcome One Maidstone’s efforts to improve visibility of this cause – it’s something the Mall are very proud to support.’
The printing of the artwork, no small task, is being carried out by local firm Bisons. Mark Bison, who has been with his family business for 25 years, has been integral in bringing the project to life.
‘As a Maidstone firm, established since 1976, it’s important to us as a business that we do our best for local organisations as well as our regional and international customers. We’re very much a part of the fabric of Maidstone’s industrial history, and we’re pleased and proud to have been chosen by One Maidstone to print and install the remembrance artwork that will be seen by so many members of the town centre community this autumn.
We’ve worked closely with the One Maidstone team on every step of the creative journey to ensure the best possible tribute to the forces.’