62821
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Management of public monuments and artworks
Unique IDAY-0075DescriptionResponsibility for the management of monuments including statues, fountains, scuptures etc., standing in public places within the City. Includes commissioning, constructing, conserving, removing and relocating of monuments and public artworks.
In May and June 1903 the Minutes of the Works Committee recorded the recommendation of a site on Queen's Square for the erection of the Comrie Fountain. A plan was also submitted (CRS 12/3). The Comrie Fountain was erected in 1904 as a gift from Mrs SL Comrie of Northfield, Kurrajong Heights, to the Citizens of Sydney. It was moved to Driver Ave, Moore Park, in July 1934. On 19 June 1906 the City Surveyor also recommended to the Works Committee that the Nolan Memorial "be taken over and maintained by the Council" (CRS 12/5).
In 1992 the Council appointed a Curator (Sally Couacaud) to manage the various public artworks under its control, which were collectively designated the Sydney Open Museum. In the later 1990s the Sydney Sculpture Walk was developed as a linked progression of newly commissioned artworks around the City (and surrounding areas including the Domain).
Prior to this there does not seem to have been any specific professional responsibility, rather public art was seen as part of a general 'parks and gardens' responsibility (cf Activity 84).
The cenotaph in Martin Place may have been the first monument for which the Council was given specific responsibility.CreationSydney Improvement Act 1879, s152, refers to "public fountains" but only in the context of water supply.
In May and June 1903 the Minutes of the Works Committee recorded the recommendation of a site on Queen's Square for the erection of the Comrie Fountain. A plan was also submitted (CRS 12/3). The Comrie Fountain was erected in 1904 as a gift from Mrs SL Comrie of Northfield, Kurrajong Heights, to the Citizens of Sydney. It was moved to Driver Ave, Moore Park, in July 1934. On 19 June 1906 the City Surveyor also recommended to the Works Committee that the Nolan Memorial "be taken over and maintained by the Council" (CRS 12/5).
In 1992 the Council appointed a Curator (Sally Couacaud) to manage the various public artworks under its control, which were collectively designated the Sydney Open Museum. In the later 1990s the Sydney Sculpture Walk was developed as a linked progression of newly commissioned artworks around the City (and surrounding areas including the Domain).
Prior to this there does not seem to have been any specific professional responsibility, rather public art was seen as part of a general 'parks and gardens' responsibility (cf Activity 84).
The cenotaph in Martin Place may have been the first monument for which the Council was given specific responsibility.CreationSydney Improvement Act 1879, s152, refers to "public fountains" but only in the context of water supply.
Description
Start date26th May 1903Start date qualifierbyEnd date26th May 1903Relationship legacy dataRELATED TO: Parks and public spaces management FN-0014 (01/01/1992)
Identification
Source system ID75
Relationships
Management of public monuments and artworks [AY-0075]. City of Sydney Archives, accessed 04 Dec 2024, https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/62821