Public sculpture in Australia

by Michael Hedger

This authoritative book provides a critical survey of public sculpture installed in Australia since colonial times. Major sections include war memorials, ranging from Boer War and World War I memorials through to contemporary minimalism; commemorative sculpture, encompassing works relating to historical events, royalty, statesmen, explorers and prominent humanitarians; fountains and garden sculpture, ranging from 19th Century works through to sculptures in modern parks like those at Expo and Sydney's Darling Harbour; corporate sculpture, and works in public gallery collections. The author examines trends in the commissioning and installation of sculptural works, the move away from publicly funded commemorative works to the embellishing of contemporary corporate buildings, the development of contemporary sculpture parks, and an analysis of changing tastes. This book will be indispensable to those interested in the history of public sculpture and its role in social history.