Finishing and installing the mosaic

Finished panels awaiting delivery to site

Finished panels were arranged in 4s on the studio floor as they were completed. This allowed inspection by Health and Safety and Planning departments before installation, and for any little repairs or filling in prior to cleaning and varnishing.

Panels are cleaned

One fine Sunday, we moved all of the panels to allow cleaning with a pressure hose and removal of dirt from shoes etc. with a slightly abrasive cleaner.

Here, Jonny is removing stubborn marks with a high pressure air line.

Mayor Mike sits with his mosaic!

Mike has a chance, at last, to sit with the complete mosaic all laid out as it will be when it is finally installed. There is no granite surround - this will be added at the groundwork stage.

The complete mosaic

Taken from above, this shows the mosaic panels laid end to end for the first time.

Mike inspects what is really the first showing of the complete idea. No one really knew what to expect as we could only imagine what the finished article would be like up to this point.

I think that it is fair to say that we were pleased, as all our comments were pretty similar and along the lines of "by Jove!"

Groundwork begins

The groundwork began with just a week or so to the opening and hand over. Block paving was lifted and a trench was dug and lined with sand and plastic sheeting.

The black granite surround arrived and was placed next to the mosaic, then the pavers were cut flush to the edge of the granite.

It was quite traumatic to see how dirty the mosaic got at this stage, as I hadn't really allowed anyone to walk on it up until now, and I grumbled when people did!

Groundwork is complete

On completion of the groundwork, we hired a 'cherry picker' to have a look from above.

Mike looks for spelling mistakes in the black granite surround!

Detail of panel 12

Detail of the finished article complete with granite surround, mosaic and block paving.

The writing at the bottom of this panel is infilled with black enamel.

Finishing & installing the mosaic

In the final stages of the project there was still a great deal to do; filling in any details that remained to be completed in the mosaic panels, cleaning and polishing, arranging the lighting and groundwork and manufacturing the black granite surround that would contain relevant dates relating to the history of the town. Lastly, we had to pray for fine weather as the groundwork would be delayed in the event of rain. It was essential that this project be completed within the Mayoral tenure of Mike Rodger so the pressure was on!

I did not look forward to the end of the project, but deadlines are deadlines, and all our efforts were concentrated on getting the mosaic complete and in the ground on time.

The mosaic was photographed, panel by panel by Jo Andreae who gave her time generously and for little financial reward. Cards were made up for the opening and the ceremony planned. Mike Rodger was tireless in his efforts to make all was in place for the hand over of ownership to the Town Council and the people of Newbury.

It's funny how circumstances bring you down to earth when you are thinking about other things. On the last day of building; a Saturday; after 12 months of concentrated work, as I left after completing the final details, I locked the studio and walked over to my car, and I had got a parking ticket!

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