Making a Memorial
My mother, Mollie, died in 1991 at the fine age of 87. I’m afraid I did not have the smoothest of relationships with her but I began to realise after her death that while she had a humble nature and considered herself a very ordinary person, she was far from ordinary. She was highly intelligent, courageous and deeply generous.
How to remember her fittingly other than in our hearts and minds? I had read about Memorials by Artists,* based at Aldeburgh, and I contacted its founder, Harriet Frazer. She provided much valuable advice.
Harriet put us in touch with a young carver, Mark Frith. He seemed to me to be the ideal person. We decided on a memorial in the form of a sundial. I thought Mark’s first design wasn’t quite right but after much discussion we agreed on an alternative to be carved in Portland stone. The collaboration of Harriet and Mark was tremendously helpful.
The memorial is mounted on the south-facing wall of our house looking across the Vale of Aylesbury and the Waddesdon hill. It is a beautiful view and Moll loved it.
The sundial is also a scientific instrument. An accurate time is given and Mollie’s birthday of 8 February is also shown year by year in thanksgiving for her life.
*Now known as the Memorial Arts Charity.
