The warm memories and images that many people have of the late Queen Elizabeth II runs into the tens of thousands. And these recollections have been lovingly captured forever in the thousands of pieces being laid in a community mosaic dedicated to the late monarch.
The brainchild of Community Development Officer Dani Bowman, the monument is a personal thank you from RAF High Wycombe and the Head Quarters Air Community for what Queen Elizabeth II meant to the area over seventy years. It is being funded as part of a Community Cohesion Project by the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, which is dedicated to bringing communities together.
This will be a wonderful tribute to our late Queen. The RAF High Wycombe motto, ‘Non Sibi’ will be placed in the corner of the mosaic. It translates as ‘Not for Ourselves’ which encapsulates the Queen perfectly.
Dani Bowman
Community Development Officer
Local schools, youth groups, serving personnel, families and children were invited over two days to cement a tile into the artwork. Originally composed of small stones, pebbles and glass tiles, mosaics date back 5000 years and give valuable insight into past civilizations – including what people wore, ate, and looked like. Now a major art form, mosaic tiles can be seen in showers, kitchens, and floors to add colour and style.
Wiltshire-based artist Joanna Dewfall who has been creating mosaics with communities and schools across the country since 1988, lead the project. Her next commission will be for Network Rail at Salisbury Station. The winning design was chosen by a committee and depicts the universally recognisable postage stamp image of the Queen.
The design is incredibly simple, with the crown section being the most intricate. The image is made in reverse before being set in concrete to make it highly durable
Joanna Dewfall
Artist
Flight Sergeant Gittens thought the mosaic was a fitting tribute;
It is a great thing to do for the late Queen. I missed doing any ceremonial events, so to be a part of history in this way is very gratifying.
The finished artwork which stands 1.8 metres tall, will be displayed outside Station Headquarters alongside the mosaic created to mark the centenary of the RAF in 2018.
Well done to all who gave their time to make this piece of history.
Joanna Dewfall artwork can be found at: www.dewfallmosaic.com, Instagram @dewfallmosaic
