Ceremonial places allow us to connect with our collective histories and to reflect on the values that define our culture.

The purpose of the National Boer War Memorial is to increase awareness and understanding of what is often referred to as ‘the forgotten war’. The National Boer War Memorial is located on the ceremonial axis of the Anzac Parade in Canberra and was dedicated on Wednesday 31 May 2017. Our approach to design, which we undertook collaboratively with public artist Jane Cavanough, is a synthesis of landscape and sculpture.

The memorial is unique on the Parade as it integrates the figurative sculptures into a landscape setting which is characterised by a rocky, undulating landform with sparse, arid planting, framed by hand-forged copper walls. The four bronze sculptures of mounted Troopers, created by the distinguished sculptor Louis Laumen, are the centrepiece of the memorial. A layering of interpretation is provided through cast bronze diaries set into the front wall, history text, and a poem extract from Boer War Correspondent, Banjo Paterson.  The figurative sculptures along with the personal diary extracts bring humanity to the memorial creating a connection to an important part of our history from the time of Australia’s Federation.

"The memorial reflects on our national history which predates Federation"

Client: National Boer War Memorial Association for the National Capital Authority

Studio: Sydney, Australia

Key Facts: 1200m²

Location: Canberra, ACT

Traditional Custodians of the Land: Ngunnawal

Awards :

• AILA WE-EF 2018 – After Dark, Lighting Design Award

Photography: Ben Wrigley