A war memorial designed to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Second World War has been likened to a “surfboard” by a former airman.
The new artwork, shaped like a Spitfire’s wing, was specially commissioned as part of the 30million pounds transformation of Aberdeen Art Gallery.
The 3.5m by 1.1 metre statue, which is to take pride of place at the city’s Remembrance Hall, is supposed to look like a wing of the iconic aircraft.
The design was chosen to remember all the souls who gave their lives during Britain’s aerial assaults on the Axis powers.
The granite base which the statue sits on will represent all those who gave their lives on land, while a wave motif at the bottom of the ‘wing’ is to recognise those who served at sea.
But Stanley Keir, who did his National Service in the RAF, said the artist’s design is more like something seen on a Californian beach rather than battling the Luftwaffe in the skies over Europe.
The retired architect, 78, said: “It looks more like a surfboard than a Spitfire wing.
“I don’t think it does justice to the wing of a Spitfire.
“This is the time, during the design stage, that these criticisms should be made so that the artist can get it right.
“When I was in the RAF I saw a number of Spitfires during the Queen’s flight. It’s a very iconic aircraft.
“I think the artist’s idea is very good, it just needs to be more refined.”
The design for the WWII memorial, entitled ‘Forget Them Not’, was selected by judges following submissions from artists around the globe.
Fraserburgh-born artist and sculptor Gordon Burnett came up with the model to be the centrepiece of the city’s Remembrance Hall when it re-opens in 2017.
His proposal was chosen for its “evocative message of remembrance but also of hope”.
Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “This design is a fitting contribution to what is one of the city’s most important buildings.
“It offers powerful symbolism which will allow members of the public to reflect and think about the wide reaching impact of conflict.
“I’m also very proud that Mr Burnett, through the use of granite, has represented Aberdeen’s heritage and history which will speak volumes to the public.”
The artwork will be 3.5m high by 1.1m wide and made from stainless steel, sitting on a dark granite base.
It will be clad with light and dark grey granite and marble pieces.
Over 1,100 jewel-like, blue enamelled ‘Forget-me-not’ flowers will adorn the sculpture to symbolise memory and remembrance.
