Artwork installed in memory of WWI soldiers at The Memo

An art installation to remember local First World War soldiers and The Memo’s layered history, has been installed at the Healesville community established hall.

Council, Healesville and District Historical Society and Healesville RSL commissioned artist Ali Griffin to create the artwork called Parquetry of Honour (pictured below).

Griffin used reclaimed parquetry tiles, recently removed from The Memo’s auditorium floor, to create a hanging sculpture, punctuated with a striking modern neon light reading ‘they shall not be forgotten’.

Some of the tiles are inscribed with the soldiers' names.

Photo by Kate Baker

Caption: Cr Fiona McAllister, Healesville RSL’s Brian Luscombe and Bob Gannaway, artist Ali Griffin, Council Creative Communities Manager Greg Box, and Healesville and District Historical Society President Bryn Jones

The artwork was launched in a moving ceremony on the eve of the Armistice Centenary that ended WWI by Cr Fiona McAllister.

“The artwork honours the men from Healesville who fought in the war and the strong community who supported them. It honours their memory by building the original Soldiers' Memorial Hall,” Cr McAllister said.

Cr McAllister said the artwork would draw people’s attention to the story of the building, while reflecting its current use as a creative hub and performance space.

The Memo Hall was opened on 24 April 1924, through funds raised by individual donations, a carnival and other community activities.

The venue has become an important community gathering place, with the inclusion of a cinema program, following the advent of silent movies in the 1920s and a variety of live performances including by Dame Nellie Melba in 1928.

Enquiries: Gabby Haynes, Community Heritage Officer, 9294 6311