Kentish Express Ashford & District

Looks like it’s rest in pieces for mosaic

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Last week we reported how resident Freddie Clements had suggested the mosaic that used to be located in the foyer of the former Ashford library in Church Road should be given a home in the new Ashford College building, currently nearing completion in Elwick Road.

Mr Clements, 70, reckoned that the mural, designed by Marion Brandis, Nicholas Martin and Ashford schoolchil­dren 27 years ago, ought to be relocated to the building when it opens in September; a bit of old Ashford meets new Ashford, he felt.

The mural has, sadly, been languishin­g in the rear car park of the Ashford Gateway Plus since it was removed in 2010, when the library was demolished and replaced by the Gateway.

But Ashford historian Steve Salter, who sent us these pictures of the mosaic’s removal, reckons the relocation idea is a non-starter because of the artwork’s condition.

Steve said: “I agree with those who think it should be moved. However, unfortunat­ely it is beyond repair.

“The pictures show it being drilled through and bolted and then ‘rough cut’ into two sections, which would have effectivel­y defaced the face of the mosaic/tiles. If you zoom into the picture of the two guys bolting a piece of ply to the mosaic and look at the rough angle grinder cut at the top it shows the damage caused.”

So perhaps the well-meant suggestion of relocation is impractica­l after all.

Which is a shame but does beg the question… what will become of the mosaic?

After nearly seven years marooned in the Gateway’s car park time has maybe come for someone to make a decision on its future.

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 ??  ?? Our story last week; Marion Brandis, far left, with Ashford schoolchil­dren at the mural’s unveiling in the old library; workmen cut the artwork in half before it was left languishin­g in a car park
Our story last week; Marion Brandis, far left, with Ashford schoolchil­dren at the mural’s unveiling in the old library; workmen cut the artwork in half before it was left languishin­g in a car park
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