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Re: Sculpture to celebrate Marion Mahony Griffin
We are thrilled to announce that the wonderful sculpture celebrating Marion Mahony Griffin — architect, environmentalist, and visionary — is now completed! The Society extends its heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to artist Sandra Pitkin for her incredible and meticulous work in creating this stunning work, titled “Marion’s Nature".
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This email serves to express our sincere appreciation for your generous donation, which played a vital role in making this sculpture a reality. We would also like to provide you with an update on the project.
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Standing at nearly 2.5 metres tall, the sculpture features an organic inner form crafted from intricate copper work, silver-brazed into a pod-like shape. The complexity of the inner form draws inspiration from the landscape, waters, and flora of Castlecrag, reflecting Marion’s profound reverence for nature. This pod is enclosed within a triangulated outer framework made of brushed stainless steel, symbolizing Marion’s architectural legacy and strength of character.
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The sculpture in the workshop with its inner pod being attached to the outer frame.
Photographed by Emmaline Cox, August 2024
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In accordance with a unanimous Willoughby City Council resolution of November 2022 the sculpture was planned to be installed in a small parklet, complete with beautiful landscaping, seating, and a Sydney Red Gum to replace two car spots. Unfortunately, just as the landscaping work was set to commence in early July, with the sculpture being ready on time for installation as planned for early August, the work was postponed by Council’s Mayor Tanya Taylor, due to an outcry raised on social media by a small group belatedly opposed to losing the two car spots. This decision at such a late stage was extremely disappointing.
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Following this, the Society met on-site with the Mayor and Council officers to explore alternative locations. While the original parklet remains the preferred location for the Society and the sculptor, we are pleased to report that a suitable alternative location has been identified, which both the sculptor and the Society believe will be appropriate. We hope that the Council will prioritise the new landscape design and its construction at this new site near the Griffin Centre in Castlecrag, allowing for the sculpture’s installation early next year.
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Once again, thank you for your generous support for this sculpture. We will keep you updated on the installation progress and will send you an invitation to the official unveiling ceremony once a date is set. We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with you.
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Akky van Ogtrop
President
Walter Burley Griffin Society
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ABOVE: Sandra Pitkin in her studio silver braises the copper connections of the sculpture’s inner form, June 2024. Photograph courtesy Sandra Pitkin.
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We acknowledge Australia's First Nations People as the traditional custodians of the land and give respect to the custodians past, present and emerging.
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