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.

Series

Recreational and Cultural Services Programs, Events and Exhibitions

Cultural and Community Services Committee Agenda Papers

Martin Place Upgrade Project Management Records

Cultural and City Care Committee Agenda Papers

General Correspondence and Subject Files

Industrial Relations Reference Cards

Public Relations Photograph Library

Architectural and Engineering Drawings Relating to the Hyde Park Project

Projects and Public Spaces Committee Agenda Papers

Cultural and City Services Committee Agenda Papers

Records of the Hyde Park Project

Photographs of the Hyde Park Project

Paddington Correspondence and Subject Files

Plans of Parks, Reserves and Playgrounds [Municipal Council of Sydney / City of Sydney]

Records of the Sydney Fountains Committee

Cleansing Department Photographs

Community Services Committee II Agenda Papers

Planning Committee II & III Agenda Papers

Corporate and Community Services Committee Agenda Papers

General Correspondence and Subject Files

Register of Fountains, Obelisks, Statues and Memorials (dismantled), 1986

Photographic Prints from Parks and Recreations Department, 1960-1985

Photographs of Monuments, Foundation Stones, Plaques, Buildings and Streetscapes, 1986

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

FunctionParks and public spaces management

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Management of public monuments and artworks