Sculptures – WildBay

Royal Albert Dock Sculptures

Hidden from view for most people there are 2 distinct and different sculptures. Unless you are a local or possible work in the area you would miss both of these.

Never be afraid to go explore of the beaten track,take time to walk the streets and see what is there. Keep an open mind and you will be surprise what you can find.

The main one is located on the roundabout that heads down to the London City Airport and can not be missed.

It stands 12 metres high and it was unvield on 5 July 2012 on the Connaught Bridge Road, Silvertown, London Borough of Newham. At just over twelve metres high, it is the tallest bronze sculpture in the United Kingdom. Athena was made at the Zara Modern Art Foundries, Braintree, Essex by Nasser Azam Note 1

While near the DLR station for the Royal Albert Dock the Group Polo Sculpture is located near the stretch of water that overlooks the London City Airport.

This was unvield on the 23rd August 2012 as part of the China/UK Friendship.

It is called the “Polo Group Sculpture” made by Huang Jian, a renowned Chinese sculptress. It aims to carry forward the Olympic spirit, developing friendship among different countries. Currently, two sets of the group sculpture have been completed – “Emperor Ming Huang and Lady Yang Playing Polo” and “China-UK Friendship Polo Match”. The creation of the group sculpture will continue for every Olympic Games in the future.

The “Polo Match” sculpture is a surreal piece based on two Chinese ancient polo fans and two British modern polo lovers who travel through time and space and gather in London’s Olympic Park for a polo game.Note 2

Note 1 Details from the Wikipedia site.

Note 2 Details from the Newham Recorder.

©wildbaynz January 2017

Out There in Welllington:Hidden Art:Spinning Top

This one of many pieces of art commissioned by Wellington Council. Some you can come across without looking. This is one that many visitors can easily miss.

It is Woodward Street (opposite Waring Street) and is located near the steps that take you up to The Terrace.

It was installed in 2002 and is made of Stainless Steel and was made by Robert Jahnke.

James/ Windy Hill Flying Club.

Out There In Wellington:View:Sculptures, Botanical Gardens

For most people that visit Wellington, the botanical gardens is one of the place that they will visit. The trip on the cable car both ways often is the highlight.

But within the gardens there are a number of secrets that may not get the attention that they deserve. The sculptures that dot the gardens are often overlooked.

The main ones can be found on the Sculpture Walk that runs from above the Lady Norwood Rose Garden and completes a loop all the way back to the Rose Garden.

There is also one that is near the Mariri Road Entrance which is near the Karori Road.

From the Rose Garden you will see 4 plinths that follow the path up to the Herb Garden. These were designed by Regan Gentry and were 1st put on display outside Te Papa, the national museum. These were then acquired by the Botanical Gardens and have been on display since around 2010.

The next one you will come across is the Peacemaker Sculpture. This was installed in 1991 and designed by Chris Booth.

A short walk later you will come across the Listening and Viewing Device Sculpture. This was installed in the Gardens in 1993 and was designed by Andrew Drummond.

Touch it or take a look from the bottom and view the sky.

Then you will come to a interesting sculpture called Rudderstone Sculpture. On a bright day it will reflect the trees around it. Take a walk through the gap in the sculpture and see the different colour that the sculpture has to offer.

This was designed by Denis O’Connor and installed in 1997.

From here it is a longer walk along the track until you come across the Body to Soul Sculpture It was designed by Mary Louise Brown and installed in 1996.The Steps take you a gentle slope to a small hill with tress on the outside forming a circle.

From here you head out of the trees into the open and head back down to the Rose Garden. On the way you pass the last major sculpture which is called Inner Form which was designed by Henry Moore. This was installed in 1988. Originally it was placed in Midland Park but was moved to its present location after it was vandalised on a number of occasions.

The James Hector Memorial is located near the West Entrance. This is in memorial of James Hector who contributed to the Botanical Gardens. It also marks the top triangulation point. This was opened in 2004.

There are also a number of smaller sculptures around the gardens. All have information plaques near by.

James/ Windy Hill Flying Club.