Alnis Ansons (1928-2015) was introduced to architect Kevin Knight in the lead-up to the opening of the Brighton Municipal Offices in 1961. The architect, on seeing some relief work in the artist’s home, asked Ansons if he would attempt an ambitious 70 square metre work within the council building which would wrap around the lift shaft of the three storey building. The tight deadlines and budgetary constraints imposed on the project impacted on the artist’s process but, in adapting to these limitations, Ansons developed a bold and original technique for producing commercial ceramic works. The mural, which symbolises the people of Brighton at work, worship and play, is constructed from hundreds of individual ceramic casts that have been treated with an engobe, similar to an underglaze, to produce a myriad of colours. The pieces were then fired only once, and grouted with copper grouting from top to bottom, creating a three-dimensional effect on the central column in the council chambers. Ansons was assisted during the installation by his future wife, Ralda, who was tasked with holding the pieces in position as they dried, to prevent them from sliding or shifting.Alnis Ansons, Brighton Council Chambers Mural 1961, ceramic. 750 x 595 cm. Bayside City Council Art and Heritage Collection. Commissioned c. 1960Circular ceramic relief mural around lift well in Brighton Council Chambers. The work begins on the ground floor of the Brighton Library, through to the mezzanine level up to the Chambers. mural, public art, alnis ansons, brighton council chambers, brighton library, ceramic, kevin knight, bayside chambers, bayside city council

This plaque, along with the Commonwealth Coat of Arms 0000-732, were previously on display in the Brighton City Council's municipal chambers. Oil paint on plywood. Royal coat of arms on black ground showing the central shield divided into four quarters flanked by the English Lion and Scottish Unicorn, surmounted by the Royal Crown. Below the shield appears the motto of the English monarchs ‘Dieu et mon droit’ (God and my right). There are four holes at each corner of the board.royal coat of arms, coat of arms, plaque, united kingdom, brighton city council, brighton

This plaque, along with the Royal Coat of Arms 0000-731, were previously on display in the Brighton City Council's municipal chambers. Oil paint on plywood. The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is painted on black ground showing the central shield, depicting symbols of Australia's six states, which is flanked by the native Australian animals, the kangaroo and the emu. The seven-pointed Commonwealth Star surmounting the crest also represents the states and territories, a wreath of golden wattle appears below the shield. Below the shield is a scroll containing the word 'AUSTRALIA'. There are four holes at each corner of the board.coat of arms, plaque, brighton city council, brighton, commonwealth coat of arms, australian coat of arms

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