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Plaque for Corsair Mosaic

Technical Information

Catalogue No: C0849
Category: Corporate/Business
Object Type: Plaque/Certificate
Object Name: Plaque for Corsair Mosaic
Part No: None
Serial No: None
Manufacturer: Unknown
Division: Unknown
Platform(s):
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Dimensions: Width (mm): 330
Height (mm): 183
Depth (mm): 3
Weight (g): 1,412
Location: Cupboard CC (Awards 2) [Main Store]
Inscription(s):

CORSAIR
The centre figure is symbolic of the fighting spirit of the hunter, strong, efficient a power to over come the evil aggression. His embryonic wings, suggesting mans age old dream of flight, are reinforced by the Pirate of the Sky - the eagle. The doves confirm the peaceful intent whilst the bulls ensure continuing production and improved development.

Notes:

In the Corsair Building at the Rochester site of BAE Systems there is a wonderful mosaic. In about January 1978 Diane Firth said to Barrie Rouse the Senior Illustrator ”Do me a design depicting Corsair”. Not only was a mural required, but the whole reception area was designed as well. The simple meaning of the word Corsair is ‘Pirate’, but Barrie found deeper meanings in Hunting, Fighting and Raiding. ‘The central figure depicts Corsair with the fighting spirit of the hunter. His embryonic wings emphasise man’s age-old dream of flight. The eagle in the sky further strengthens the concept but is held in check by the doves of peace. The bulls ensure continuing production and improved development, two worthy attributes of a company of renown’
Approximately 77,000 mosaic tiles weighing some 700lbs cover 135sq ft. The design was laid in reverse on the floor before being stuck in place by Roy Woolston, Nigel Wallace, Danny Smith and Mark Haskett.
On the 9th August 1978 the Corsair building was opened by Mr Paul Hare Vice-President of the Vought Corporation for whom the company made the A-7 Corsair Head Up Display system.
Some years later, in the late 80’s, the mosaic was covered over with plaster board and lost from view. The RAA acquired this descriptive plaque. When the Medway Innovation Centre opened in around 2005 as part of the refurbishment the mosaic was uncovered in all its glory

Click to enlarge