The classically styled memorial is in the form of a Roman water garden. There are three main elements: a shallow pool and fountain, a screen of columns with a small shrine, and two bronze pylons standing at the northwest and northeast corners listing the names of the fallen. The domed centrepiece carries the inscription:

HIGH SEAS/ NORTH SEAS/ HOME SEAS/ ARCTIC BALTIC/ MEDITERRANEAN/ FRANCE AND/ FLANDERS/ PALESTINE/ MESOPOTAMIA/ RUSSIA/ ITALY/ MACEDONIA/ DARDANELLES

In 2017, DBR Southern carried out a comprehensive cleaning programme of the memorial as well as masonry repairs in preparation for Armistice Day celebrations.

DBR Conservation contributed to the project by cleaning the thick greasy soiling from bronze work with warm water and a non-ionic surfactant, wood tools and soft brushes. All ‘weep’ holes were cleared to allow drainage, and the final treatment was the application and buffing of microcrystalline wax.

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Take a look at this project on Instagram.

More projects by DBR Southern teams can be found here.