Memorial Title

Peace (Temporary)

Summary

A description of a temporary WW2 war memorial well dressing, commemorating peace, at the roadside in Millthorpe, Derbyshire.

Images

Click on a thumbnail to see a larger image.

Locations

Last known location:
Roadside
Millthorpe La
Millthorpe
Derbyshire

Nearest postcode:
S18 7WJ

NGR:
SK 31738 76436
(Estimated)
(Map opens in new window.)

Location details:
On the western side of Millthorpe La at the junction with Cordwell La (B6051).

Type

Overall type: Well dressing

Overall condition: Lost

Description:

A temporary Derbyshire well dressing display traditionally made from flowers and other vegetation pressed into clay held in a wooden frame but now often utilising stones, beads, fabric etc. The dressing comprised a triptych commemorating peace at the end of WW2. The central panel depicted a detailed scene of a street party with a cobbled street, terraced houses to each side bearing bunting and a long table along the centre of the street. Children are shown at the table or playing and adults are dancing. The two side panels have a grey ground and each depict three figures: to the left is a female nurse, a land army girl and a male civil defence worker all in their respective workwear; to the right is a sailor in No1 warm weather dress, an airman in flying dress and an infantryman in battle dress. Above the three panels a frieze with a grey ground had the date, two black silhouettes of Winston Churchill giving his famous "V for Victory" salute, and the inscription in yellow upright capital lettering.

Glossary

Components:

Component	Material	Height	Width	Depth	Condition
Well dressing	Various materials	c2500	c5000	c500	Lost
Dimensions in millimetres ±5mm unless stated otherwise.

Inscription

19 1939 VICTORY 1945 95

Conflicts and people named:
Conflict	Second World War (1939-1945)	Totals
Action or event	Peace
Number died	0	0
Number served and returned	0	0
Total names	0	0

Administration

Custodian: Not known.

Local authorities:
From 1974: Holmesfield Parish Council; North East Derbyshire District Council; Derbyshire County Council.

History and Conservation

Spring and Summer 1995: The memorial was designed and made by members of the local community.

Summer, 1995: The memorial was photographed by Glyn Williams. After the period of the display the dressing was dismantled and components salvaged for future use.

References

Further details about well dressings may be found at welldressing.com run by Glyn Williams.

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