Stage 2 of the Sir Keith Park Memorial at the Thames Airfield will be a 2.3m high bronze statue of
Sir Keith in his flying outfit which will be mounted under the existing replica Hurricane Fighter.
The pose reflects Sir Keith awaiting the return of his fighters after a sortie, with watch in hand. Replicas of his medals and awards will be incorporated into the statue around Sir Keith’s feet.
The statue is currently scheduled for completion in time to be erected on site at the Thames Airfield for the Battle of Britain 2022 Commemorations (likely Sunday 18th September 2022).
In addition the surrounding area will be landscaped, permanent lighting will be installed and the signage will be upgraded to a permanent display. Michael Mansvelt, of Michael Mansvelt Design has been invited to design the landscaping and final presentation of the Memorial.
These works will complete the Sir Keith Park Memorial at the Thames Airfield, Ngati Maru Highway, Thames.
The sculptor commissioned for the statue is Joanne Sullivan, of international renown. A couple of her significant New Zealand works are an over life sized Phar Lap with jockey (in Timaru) and Sir John Walker (in Manukau). Amongst her other credentials, Joanne was invited as a Sculptor Instructor as the prestigious American Academy of Equine Art, Lexington Kentucky, USA.
Joanne has purchased and imported from the UK authentic period, replica uniform and artefacts to ensure the preciseness of the final representation.
