Revamped memorial set to be unveiled

Artist Robert Boynes reflects on the redesign of the National Air Force Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra. Photo by CPL Darren Hilder, 1JPAU(P)

PORTRAYING a visual history of the Air Force may seem a daunting task for anyone, but a Canberra-based artist has risen to the challenge.

Robert Boynes, one of Australia’s foremost artists and currently Senior Lecturer and Head of Painting at the Australian National University was awarded the artist’s commission for redevelopment of the National Air Force Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra.

The ceremonial parade to dedicate the redeveloped memorial will be held on Friday, November 1.

The Roulettes will give an acrobatic demonstration at 1.30pm. The dedication parade, hosted by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston, will start at 2pm.

The original monument was unveiled in 1973.

It features three large aerofoil shaped stainless steel pillars rising to a height of 3m. The base is the shape of a wing.

The new memorial is divided into three pieces, complementing the original design by Inge King, and is intended to symbolise not only the spirit of the Air Force but also the service to Australia and the sacrifice made by tens of thousands of Air Force men and women since its formation in 1921.

“An attempt to distil the history of the Air Force was a tall order. I wanted to make sure the linear history of the service held together while covering every major theatre of conflict,” Mr Boyne said.

“I saw my role in this project as a facilitator of the history of the Air Force and to document its achievements.”

After extensive research involving thousands of images and assistance from computer technician Peter Jordan, the project was brought to life over a period of 12 months with the design process taking four-and-a-half months to complete.

“I’m pleased with the way the memorial has come together. It relies on varying amounts of light to bring out its different aspects and will keep people coming back to look at it again and again,” Mr Boyne said.

The ceremony and unveiling will be attended by dignitaries including Governor-General Dr Peter Hollingworth and Prime Minister John Howard.

The ceremony will include a flypast of an F/A-18, F-111, Iroquois, Harvard, Winjeel, Sea King, Sea Hawk, DC-3, Neptune, Spitfire, Meteor, Canberra, Vampire, Wirraway and Mustang aircraft.

Although Mr Boynes would love to be part of the flyover, he considers his attendance on the ground just as important.

Other works by the artist are on display at Parliament House Canberra, the Australian War Memorial and major Australian art galleries.

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