Kentish Express Ashford & District
Looks like it’s rest in pieces for mosaic
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.