War Memorial Triptych by Frederick Cayley Robinson
This remarkable artwork is a war memorial to the 56 students of Heanor Grammar School who died in action during the First World War. It was paid for by a local collection, commissioned from the artist, Frederick Cayley Robinson, and dedicated in the school in June 1923. It filled the space across one end of the old school central hall.
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The names of all 56 are included in the inscription on the central stone: -
L. Aldred, F. Gardiner, W.H. Painter, C. Smalley, G. Leivers, T. Crumpton, N. Allen, J. Holloway, H.L. Parkin, R.C. Stoddard, P.E. Lockton, C. Dixon, F. Amatt, A. Holmes, J.H. Parkin, L.A. Stone, A. Martin, C. Eyre, W. Annable, B. Hudson, L. Parkin, F. Tilforth, R. Martin, G. Eyre, H.L. Baker, A.B. Hunt, S. Raines, F.O. Tucker, W.E. Martin, R. Elleray, T.H. Beastall, J. Judge, R. Roe, B. Warren, A.G. Meads, A. Filsell, M. Brown, W. Judge, B. Rolling, N. Webster, G. Noon, F.D. Fletcher, G. Butt, F. Keeling, C. Sadler, J.H. Wilson, F.R. Oldershaw, W.S. Clarke, T. Kerry, H. Saxton, T. Walker, G. Orrell, F. Kirk, H. Shooter, R. Foster, H.C. Fletcher, D. Fletcher
A triptych in oil on canvas. Central panel depicts a classical scene with roman portico and figures representing Faith, Justice, Charity. Fortitude and Hope. Children of the present generation are seated at the feet of the figure of Charity. They are supported by heroes, martyrs and warrior saints. etc, with names of the fallen on a tablet in the foreground; left panel depicts a group of soldiers in different uniforms in the field of battle with the night sky illuminated by a burning church in the background; right panel depicts a group of women at home with the night sky illuminated by the moon behind a church tower.
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Further information can be found here https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/world-war-memorial-to-the-students-of-heanor-grammar-school-61523
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and here https://artuk.org/discover/stories/frederick-cayley-robinson-perfect-light-and-quiet-contemplation
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The Triptych is currently in secure storage and the plan is that it will be re-installed in the old school hall and fully restored once the building restoration is complete.
