Cenotaph, Martin Place

PROJECT OVERVIEW

O’Sullivan Conservation was engaged by the City of Sydney to perform quarterly maintenance and conduct an annual condition assessment to The Cenotaph, located at the western end of Martin Place over a period of five years. In addition to an annual condition inspection, OSC prepares an annual report for the City of Sydney which includes annual inspection observations and future treatment recommendations in addition to a summary of works performed during the year. Treatment includes cleaning both the bronze and stone element. Any localised corrosion is treated and wax is applied to ensure the ongoing condition of the Memorial is maintained. The City of Sydney interviewed Eoin O’Sullivan regarding the care of The Cenotaph, Martin Place, as part of their news services https://news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/articles/taking-care-conserving-sydneys-public-art-and-memorials?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_content=carousel&utm_campaign=artrestoration.

The Cenotaph Memorial was unveiled on February 21^st, 1929, and commemorates Australian military personnel who died in service during World War I. The memorial consists of a base and 20-tonne rectangular tomb of Moruya granite, oriented east-west and incised with gilt lettering on the northern and southern faces. A bronze statue of a soldier stands at ease at the eastern end, with a similar statue of a sailor at the western end. A bronze wreath is located on top of the tomb.

If you are interested in reading more about The Cenotaph, further information about the history, significance and care can be found on the City of Sydney’s website https://www.cityartsydney.com.au/artwork/cenotaph/, The RSL NSW’s website https://www.rslnsw.org.au/commemoration/memorials/the-cenotaph/ and the NSW War Memorials Register https://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/content/cenotaph-martin-place-sydney.