Memorial plaque
Denis Tegetmeier (1895-1987)
Category
Stone
Date
1951
Materials
Stone
Place of origin
Great Britain
Collection
Mottisfont, Hampshire
NT 1954677
Summary
Stone memorial plaque commemorating the marriage of Gilbert (1875-1942) and Maud Russell (1891-1982). Carved by Denis Tegetmeier (1895-1987). 1951.
Full description
Gilbert (1875-1942) and Maud Russell (1891-1982) were married on 14 March, 1917 at St Andrew's Church, Marylebone, London. In 1934, they purchased Mottisfont Abbey, and it remained their main marital home until the death of Gilbert on 5 June, 1942. After purchasing Mottisfont Abbey, they discovered that Gilbert was a descendant of William Briwere, who in 1201 had founded the Augustinian Priory on the site. To commemorate this fact, in 1939 the couple had erected a plaque on the east end of the house (NT CMS 1954676). After Gilbert's death, Maud chose to erect this plaque next to it, to remember their marriage. It was designed and carved by Denis Tegetmeier (1895-1987). The plaque's inscription is in Latin and reads: IN MEMORIAM MARITI SUI GILBERTI RUSSELL QUOCUM MATRIMONIO FELICISSIMO CONIUNCTA ANNOS XXV TEMPORIBUS SAEVIS DUBIISQUE SUAUITER PERESIT HUNC LAPIDEM PONENDUM CURAUIT MAUD UXOR EIUSDEM VALDE DESIDERANS PRID. ID. MART. MCMXVII A. D. V. KAL. IUN. MCMXLII When translated into English it reads In memory of her husband GIlbert Russell to whom she was happily married for 25 years. He sweetly passed away in evil and uncertain times. Maud, his wife, greatly missing him saw to the placing of this stone. The first day of the Ides of March 1917 to the fifth day of the month of June 1942.
Provenance
Commissioned by Maud Russell for Mottisfont Abbey, Hampshire. Transferred to the National Trust with Mottisfont Abbey and Estate under Maud Russell's Memorandum of Wishes, 1957.
Makers and roles
Denis Tegetmeier (1895-1987), stonemason