Blackheath War Memorial Arch

This memorial arch stands at the entrance to Blackheath Gardens in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. It is in the form of a triumphal arch, however unlike most other memorials of this form it lacks a neoclassical motif. Elegant and architecturally restrained, it has been designed in the art deco style.

The arch is made from a pale fine grained granite with inset trachyte panels. The attic is unadorned and a carved ribbon architrave is set around the opening at the front and back. This ribbon has a carved repetitive fluted, or filleted, pattern interspersed with carved rosettes. The trachyte panels either side of the opening contain 76 names of local men who served overseas in the First World War, including six who died on active service. Stone wings at either side of the arch balance the monument in form and mass. The architects for the memorial were Major General Sir Charles Rosenthal, Rutledge and Beattie.

The foundation stone was set by Australia's former war-time Prime Minister William (Billy) Hughes on 10 November 1928. Construction delays and the unavailability of the State Governor delayed the unveiling until 25 May 1929.