THE TEAM LEADER
The design and construction of the nativity scene was managed by Ralph Morris, Project Manager for the conservation of St Mary’s Cathedral.
Ralph’s brief and that of his fellow colleagues that make up the Project Control Group for the conservation of St Mary’s Cathedral was to construct a life size nativity scene on the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral. Ralph describes the process:
My conceptual design for the nativity scene arose out of discussions with Susanne Demetz, supplier of the nativity figurines. Susanne suggested the figurines should be displayed on a series of raised platforms in and around a stable complete with a painted scenic backdrop.
I devised a plan to construct the platforms and framing for the stable and scenic backdrop using scaffolding readily available on site courtesy of Gosford Quarries, a stonemasonry contractor on site carrying out large scale façade restoration works.
The skeletal scaffold frame once erected was then cladded in plywood to provide a canvass for the artist to create a scenic backdrop and a base on which to fix down the figurines. The framing to the stable was cladded in natural fibre materials including date palm thatching which was used to great effect.
The task of creating the scenic backdrop to the nativity scene proved easy with the involvement of artist Tony Johansen. I approached Tony having worked with him previously on site on the restoration of the two large bronze statues at the main entrance to the Cathedral.
Tony’s artistic talents and his passion and enthusiasm for the project resulted in a work of art that has exceeded all expectations. The fruits of Tony’s labour include the painted scenic backdrop, the sculptured faux stone walls of the stable, stage lighting effects and the production of a web site on the nativity.
Two further key project team members, Carpenters Rick Morris and Paul Gough were responsible for physically “putting it all together”. Rick and Paul worked tight and tirelessly to construct the nativity scene to the required design and time-line.
Other key project team members included electrician Andrew Flemming of Raven Electrical Pty Ltd responsible for installing stage lighting and power, a job well done and Mario Rago of Gosford Quarries who assisted with the supply and erection of scaffolding.
I wish to thank all members of the team for their earnest contribution to this worthy task.
