Laperouse Statue

In June 2014, Ms Joy Burch, Minster for the Arts, ACT,  unveiled a new public art sculpture which was almost destroyed in a studio fire at Red Hill Shops.“This sculpture has undertaken quite a journey of its own and has been brought back from the ashes to add a little piece of history to its own story, now and in the years to come,” Joy said.

“If you look closely at La Perouse’s back, you can see the scorch marks left behind in the plaster model. I am delighted that he has now been installed and believe he will be a well regarded asset of the ACT Government Public Art Collection.”

Braidwood artists Suzie Bleach and Andrew Townsend had almost completed the cast for the bronze sculpture, which was funded under the 2010-12 Shopping Centre Upgrade Program, when a fire broke out in their studio, causing extensive damage to the cast. However, they were able to save the sculpture.

“Red Hill streets are named after early maritime explorers and ships visiting Terra Australis, and it is only fitting that this sculpture is located on La Perouse Street,” Ms Burch said.

extract:  Courtesy Canberra News