The following pictures are a collection of dog and cat statues we have come across, on walks around Sydney.
In a busy part of Sydney, outside the Queen Victoria Building, near a statue of Queen
Victoria herself, is a statue of her favourite dog 'Islay'. The statue
presides over a wishing well, with donations going to Royal Institute
for Deaf and Blind Children. [c.1987 by Sydney sculptor Justin Robson]
'Biggles' (1980 - 1994) the subject of this statue, can be found at the corner of Atherden and Playfair Streets. I'm not sure how he managed to roam The Rocks, but he was regarded as a loved friend, among the residents and shopkeepers of the area.
location map
[c.1995 by artist, Anne Dybka] Ref: monumentaustralia
A plaque near Central Station tells us 'Donna' (1975 – 1995) (below), was a hearing guide dog, the friend and constant companion of John Hogan of Pyrmont, who travelled on trains extensively, throughout NSW.
The memorial also recognises the love and companionship that all
Guide Dogs give to the visually and hearing impaired.
(Sculptor: Ian Shaw)
“For 17 years (1953 – 1978) ‘Billy’ (
above) was a
familiar figure in Mosman as he went on the daily rounds beside his master, Cliff
Williams, a street sweeper. The statue was given a gift as a reminder of the
reliance of animals on man and the debt mankind owes to animals.”
- memorial plaque. [Billy, c. 1978 by Denis Adams] Located in Balmoral Beach Reserve. location map
Next to the State Library, in busy Maquarie Street, is a statue of 'Trim', Matthew Flinders’ intrepid cat who circumnavigated Australia with
his master 1801 -1803. [c.1996 by sculptor John Cornwell]
“
The best and most illustrious of his race, the most affectionate
of friends, faithful of servants, and best of creatures. He made the tour of
the globe, and voyage to Australia,
delight and pleasure of his fellow voyagers…”
'
Foxie', a bronze
sculpture by artist Clary Akon, was commissioned in 2006 to adorn the pedestal of the '
Jessie Broomfield Memorial Dog Drinking Fountain'
built by North Sydney Council in 1953. We passed through Bradfield Park North, Milsons Point, early this year, on our way to visit Wendy's Garden. (
view post)
