In today’s round of poetry articles from around the globe, we look at a story about a substantial grant that has been awarded for the restoration of the WWI cemetery that is the final resting place of two important poets. We also have an article about an art installation that combines poetry with art.
3.9million Euro Grant for Cemetery
A grant of a huge 3.9 million EUR has been awarded by the government for the restoration of 24 CWGC
Military cemeteries in the Ypres Salient.
Amongst these is Artillery Wood, which is the place of rest for Hedd Wyn, the WWI poet who is buried under the name Private Ellis H Evans. News of the restoration comes a century after his death and forms part of the centenary commemorations that are currently being planned to honour the lives of the men and women who gave their lives to protect their countries.
The grant has been given by way of recognition not only for the major sacrifices that were made but also the artistic and historical value perceived for the memorials and cemeteries that the CWGC maintains.
Artillery Wood is also the final resting place of the Irish poet Francis Ledwidge.
For those people who study the works of both poets, the cemetery has become a place of pilgrimage, somewhere to come and reflect on the lives of the young men who wrote such powerful and inspirational words under such terrible circumstances.
The tool shed, entrance, and even the cemetery wall will all be dismantled and then rebuilt as part of the restoration works. Those items that cannot be repaired and reused will be carefully replaced. New bricks will be handmade and carefully chosen to make sure that the walls remain as close in colour to the originals.
Piano Becomes Work of Art
A Polish artist, Tomasz Madajczak, who now resides in West Cork has created a fascinating work of art by transforming an old upright piano using words.
The artwork which is called “Blessing for Humanity” will be put on display at No 49 North St in Skibbereen and can be seen by the public every Wednesday from 12 – 1 pm.
This isn’t the first piece of work by Madajczak that has been inspired by words, his first major art installation “Thoughtspace” was also based around text – He wrote a single word on a white wall in his studio and continued until every surface of the room was covered in words.
“Blessing for Humanity” was commissioned by the co-ordinators of No 49 who asked Madajczak to transform the piano in to an art piece that they could put on display in their new centre. The words which are in red and white – the colours of Cork – are based on the works of the poet John O’Donohue. The text has been written in both English and Irish.
It is hoped that the piano will prove a real draw to members of the public and hopefully awaken their creativity whilst also acting as a calming message.
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