Thanks to Suzanne and Alan Whitewood for this report from the unveiling of the new public artwork in Newport this week. Ed
World renowned seismologist John Milne lived in the Shide area of Newport from 1895 until his death in 1913. He is widely credited as revolutionising the study of earthquakes, while he worked in Japan, by inventing a new type of seismograph called the horizontal pendulum seismograph.
Artwork chosen by the public to celebrate the life of this famous Isle of Wight resident was officially revealed on Monday 26 November.
During the summer, members of the public were asked to vote for one of four proposed designs for the artwork.
Following the voting process, the design by Southsea based artist Kevin Dean was chosen as the public’s favourite.
Recognising the achievements of John Milne
Kevin’s enamel led designs recognise the achievements of John Milne and have been placed on the out-side wall of Little London car park, Newport opposite the Quay Arts building.
Kevin worked with the project team and local firm AJ Wells to produce the design on the enamel panels. He had to learn new processes as he had never worked with enamel before.
Unveiled by Newport councillor
Newport Councillor Julie Jones-Evans officially revealed the artwork for the first time by cutting a red ribbon.
Julie said how these pieces of art brighten this area of Newport and paid tribute to the one time Newport resident John Milne
See Milne photography at Carisbrooke Castle Museum
As well as his world-famous seismology work, John Milne was also a keen photographer and some of his works can be found at Carisbrooke Castle’s museum and it was this connection that gave Kevin the idea of depicting Carisbrooke Castle as part of this new work.
Whilst living in Japan John Milne married Tone, daughter of Horikawa Noritsune. He died on 31 July 1913 at Shide Hill House, where he had an observatory, and is buried in St. Paul’s Church, Newport. Tone returned to Japan in1919 and died in 1926.
Photo shows Julie Jones-Evans with Kevin Dean.
