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.”

Standing at nearly 2.5 meters tall, the sculpture features an organic inner form crafted from intricate copper work, silver-brazed into a pod-like shape. In Sandra’s words “the complexity of the inner form draws inspiration from the landscape, waters, and flora of Castlecrag, reflecting Marion’s profound reverence for nature”.

The pod form is enclosed within a triangulated outer framework made of brushed stainless steel, symbolizing Marion’s architectural legacy and strength of character. Sandra explains that the “sculpture is guided by Marion’s enthusiasm for simplicity of form, presenting a balance of the natural world, in the intricate movement of copper line work, within an angular, stainless steel structure”.

Originally, 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 in early August, the installation 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.

Following this, the Society met on-site with the Mayor and Council officers to explore alternative locations. We are pleased to report that a suitable new 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.

The Society expresses its sincere appreciation for the many generous donations, which played a vital role in making the sculpture a reality.

As the landscape design and construction is progressed by Council, the Society will provide an update report on this news webpage.

15 September 2024