Caroline Hammat
It’s been 10 years since the Millicent Shell Garden on Williams Road was knocked down to make way for the Boneham Aged Care Services extension.
At the time the Millicent Museum were able to salvage several mosaic sculptures from the unique garden started by Iris Howe in the 1960’s and extended by the next owners Don and Ailsa Salmon.
The largest piece rescued from demolition was the iconic shell garden wall used for countless photo opportunities.
Tourists and locals alike would place their head in one of two holes in the wall to briefly become a mermaid or King Neptune made entirely of broken crockery and decorated with shells.
During transport to the museum the large structure broke into several pieces and then sat on site for many years while a safe display solution was sought.
It became clear the wall was going to be expensive to rebuild and would need to conform to current occupational health and safety guidelines.
Museum volunteer John Murby has been a leading figure in problem solving and working toward an outcome for the piece.
In the past three months Mr Murby has designed and created a steel frame to house the wall.
With assistance from other volunteers the large heavy stone pieces were glued to a backboard within the frame.
“We glued it, then filled it, mortared all the joins and added new shells where we could” Mr Murby said.
“It’s just been sealed and all that’s left is to get the crane in to move it and put it up.
“That’s the big moment, whether we are successful or not.”
Museum volunteers have spent the last two years piecing together a small display of the smaller salvaged pieces and are anticipating the installation of the final drawcard in the coming weeks.
Due to safety restrictions the wall will not be used as originally intended but it is hoped that the memory of the shell garden will continue to inspire through this small display of items.
The project has been able to proceed with volunteer support and generous donations from the Millicent Business Community Association and family members of Iris Howe’s.
Other members of the public have come forward and donated smaller items purchased from the shell garden before it was demolished.
Museum volunteers Jim and Louise Hyland are planning to donate a large information sign to help finalise the display.
