- 1950 public art and memorial in St Kilda

 - 1950

The Ngargee Tree


Thought to have begun growing between 1317 - 1717 

‘The Corroboree Tree: Lest we forget’
(Myer Eidelson 2001, p. 33)

At Marngrook Place, adjacent to Junction Oval. 
Estimated to be between 300-700 years old, and used as a place for corroborees by clans of the Kulin Nation and later a camping place. 


‘The Boon Wurrung camped in the reserve south of the lake including near Fitzroy Tree and Junction Oval including August and September 1847, November 1847, February 1848 and September 1848’ (Eidelson 2014, p. 96).

Officially memorialised by St Kilda residents in 1952, with a plaque at the base of the tree.

It is known that the Ngargee Tree was used for corroborates and so in this context, I have included it as the first memorial/Markers in this chronological list. It was not man-made but has become symbolic and plays the role of a cultural marker. 



Inscription on wooden plaque at the site:

‘This red gum eucalypt, known as the corroboree or ‘Ngargee’ Tree is estimated to be 300-500 years old. It is believed to mark the site of Aboriginal ceremonies held prior to European settlement in 1835. The tree is a symbol of the original Australians.’

And Inscription on a bronze plaque closer to the Tree:

ABORIGINALS OF EARLY 
SETTLEMENT DAYS CONGREGATED 
AND HELD THEIR CEREMONIES 
UNDER AND IN THE VICINITY 
OF THE TREE

ST KILDA CITY COUNCIL
1952


And another plaque with the same information as above is installed in the ground as well (a replica of the original).



And another plaque in the ground

THE CORROBOREE TREE GRASSLANDS
THESE GRASSLANDS CELEBRATE THE
2001 CENTENARY OF FEDERATION
AND THE KULIN NATION A PRE-SETTLEMENT
FEDERATION OF ABORIGINAL TRIBES.

THIS PLACE REFLECTS THE SPIRIT OF THE
CORROBOREE TREE PROVIDING SPACE TO MEET,
SHARE EXPERIENCES, GAIN UNDERSTANDING
AND RECONCILE DIFFERENCES.

PARK COMMITTEE ASSOCIATION INC. 26 MAY 2002 



References:
Eidelson, M 2001, Pages 29,32-39, Walks in Port Phillip: A Guide to the Cultural Landscapes of a City, City of Port Phillip, Melbourne, viewed 13.4.2017, http://www.victoriawalks.org.au/Assets/Files/Walks_in_Port_Phillip_-_A_guide_by_Meyer_Eidelson%20-%2043%20pages.pdf


Edwin Knox Memorial Fountain


1902, 2012
Corner of Cleve Gardens closest to the beach and Jacka Boulevarde.

The memorial remembers Trooper Edwin Knox, 24 years old, who drowned in South Africa while serving in the Boer War. He was the first volunteer from St Kilda to lose his life. The community took up public subscriptions, from St Kilda and Toongabbie (where he was living before he enlisted) to create the memorial.

Bronze, by architectural designer and artist CA Irwin.  (1911). The stone components by  JP O’Rourke, and the bronze work by James Marriot.

The memorial reads:

ERECTED
by subscription
In Memory of 
EDWIN KNOX
Victorian Bushman’s Corps
Died in South Africa
February 26th 1901
Aged 24 years




Conservation and Interpretation was undertaken on The Edwin Knox memorial in 2012, because all that remained was the bluestone pedestal and the marble plaque. This was undertaken as part of the ‘monuments and memorials restoration program’, and was supported by the National Boer War Memorial Association together with local and State Branches of the Returned & Services League of Australia. It is Bluestone pedestal with plaque on the front and a drinking fountain above was renovated . .  and has a contemporary artwork above it, which is a silhouette of the fountain that once was above it.

The interpretive Text:

Edwin Knox drowned in South Africa in 1901 while serving in the Boer War. He  had grown up in St Kilda but was working in the Toongabbie district in South Eastern Victoria when he enlisted. Upon news of his death, public subscriptions were taken up in St Kilda and Toongabbie for a memorial to be erected in St Kilda. The unveiling took place on 23 February 1902.

The St Kilda Rifle Club has combined with the St Kilda Tradesmen’s club for the perpse of erecting a suitable emblem to perpetuate the memory of their late fellow citizen, Trooper Edwin (Ted) Knox, of the Bushman’s continent, known as the ‘fighting third’, who drowned whilst on active service, at Wonderboom, South Africa. Edwin Knox was the son of Captain H. M. Knox. . . and was well and creditably known in the district. Subscriptions are asked for. 
( The Argus, Saturday 20th April 1901)

The bluestone pedestal with marble plaque is all that remains of the original memorial. This contemporary silhouette illustrates the fountain’s ornamental design. After the removal of the original fountain, a basin with drinking taps was installed, also included in this interpretation. The round footpath marker indicates the ideal vantage point.
This project completed in 2012, is part of the City of Port Phillip, monuments and memorials restoration program and is supported by the Boer War Memorial Association together with local and state branches of the Returned Services League of Australia.

References:
‘Catani Gardens: Victorian Database Report’, 2017, viewed online 24.10.2017, vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au)
https://heritage.portphillip.vic.gov.au/.../Edwin_Knox_Memorial.pdf , viewed 17.1.2018
‘St Kilda, Elwood and Ripponlea Memorials and Monuments’ (webpage), City of Port Phillip, https://heritage.portphillip.vic.gov.au/People_places/Heritage_Projects/Memorials_and_monuments/St_Kilda_Elwood_and_Ripponlea_memorials_and_monuments, viewed 17.1.2018


South African War Memorial


1905
Alfred Square
Architect: Robert Haddon,
Designers: Robert Haddon and Arthur Peck
Sculptor: Douglas C. Richardson



Initiated by Councillor O’Donnell, who called for the memorial, and 250 pounds was raised through fetes, subscriptions and entertainment. The memorial was designed voluntarily by Arthur Peck and made by Mitcham Tesselated Tile Co.

It holds the names of seven soldiers who lost their lives in the South African War and the 58 who returned home.

Unveiled in march 1905 by the Victorian Governor, Major-General Hon. Sir Reginald Arthur James Talbot K.C.B. 
 In 1900  77 young soldiers from St Kilda had enlisted in the Victorian Bushmen’s Corps for service in the Second Boer War fought in South Africa from 1899 - 1902 (wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Square,_St_Kilda)

 The memorial is adorned with ceramic tiles from one metre upwards, with a dark green glaze.



References:
‘St Kilda, Elwood and Ripponlea Memorials and Monuments’ (webpage), City of Port Phillip, https://heritage.portphillip.vic.gov.au/People_places/Heritage_Projects/Memorials_and_monuments/St_Kilda_Elwood_and_Ripponlea_memorials_and_monuments, viewed 17.1.2018
publicartaroundtheworld.com, viewed 17.1.18


Historic marker of the first colonial building in St Kilda, stockman’s hut


*date: unknown but presumably after Alfred Square was made a public reserve in July 1868.

Where: north-west edge of Alfred Square
The plaque is on a rock and memorialises the first recorded building in St Kilda - a stockman’s hut c 1840 by Captain Benjamin Baxter, likely to have been occupied by stockmen. (Captain Benjamin Baxter was unlikely to have built it himself, but as the known owner he receives the recognition)
Captain Benjamin Baxter was granted a lease of land to graze cattle from Point Ormond as far as Port Melbourne, virtually the entire foreshore of the City of Port Phillip today. Baxter was a former British commissioned officer in India and Jamaica. (ref: A history pdf Elwwod 
http://skhs.org.au/~SKHSflood/Rams_and_Roads.htm, viewed 24.3.17)

Plaque Caption:
City of St Kilda
Site of the
First Building
in St. Kilda
A Stockman’s hut
erected c. 1840
By
Capt. Benjamin Baxter





Fairchild Memorial 


1906
Esplanade
‘A stone memorial to Jesse Fairchild donated by his wife Mary’ (heritage.portphillip.vic.gov.au).


Isaac Jacobs Memorial Fountain


1909
Corner of Fitzroy St and St Kilda Road
It was ‘donated by Isaac Jacobs to the Trustees of Albert park and the community at large’







References:
(St Kilda, Elwood and Ripponlea Memorials and Monuments (webpage), City of Port Phillip, https://heritage.portphillip.vic.gov.au/People_places/Heritage_Projects/Memorials_and_monuments/St_Kilda_Elwood_and_Ripponlea_memorials_and_monuments, viewed 17.1.2018)



1909 Pergola off Fitzroy St, Albert Park







Presented by G.C. Lauscen Esq.
President V.B.A
won by
S.M.C.C.B.G. 1908-09 Teams,
J. Bunce, J.W. Mason, R Oastler, W H Cooper CAPT.
W. Thomson, S. Thackwray, H.O. Bennett,
A Thackwray CAPT.
H. Skinner Esq.,  A Thackwray Esq.
PRESIDENT, HON SEC.



Sali Cleve Memorial Fountain

1911
In Catani Gardens
Bronze caster: J Marriott
Designer: Charles Adam Irwin
Stone components constructed by Adamant Monumental Works

The fountain was privately donated in memory of Sali Cleve who designed the gardens which carry his name. There are four granite basins around a tall ionic column. At the very top is a bronze sculpture of a sailing ship.

It took me a while to work out what this structure was, whilst I was also on the lookout for the Sali Cleve drinking fountain. The penny dropped when I found the photo on  the ‘Public art around the world’ website.

It was relocated because of a road widening (Holsworth 2015)
References:
Public Art Around the World (website), publicartaroundtheworld.com, viewed 17.1.18


Holsworth, M 2015, Melbourne Art Critic (website) https://melbourneartcritic.com/2015/06/17/sculptures-in-catani-gardens/








HMS Endeavour memorial with Captain Cook Sculpture

1914
Catani Gardens, adjacent to the walk over which crosses Jacka Boulevarde. 
Sculptor: John Tweed
Builder: Alex Pariletti

The statue of  Captain James Cook FRS RN was installed in 1914, and is a bronze replica of the one at his birthplace at Whitby England and stands on a solid granite pedestal. It was donated by St Kilda philanthropist Andrew Stenhouse, who also donated other things such as seats and life-saving  equipment. The statute was relocated in 1988 to it current location to make way for a bicentennial rotunda (Holsworth 2015).

Why is Captain Cook is in St Kilda?

In their discussion of monuments in Catani gardens directly before describing the Captain Cook Statue, the Victorian Heritage Council explain:

 ‘St Kilda city fathers were especially Victorian/Edwardian in using monuments to add an elevating moral dimension to the civic experience. They used statues to identify and celebrate worthiness, notable outstanding to the nation or community. There was also the opportunity for public-minded citizens of means to make their own contributions to the improvement and beautification of the community; these statues were sometimes more festive and eccentric’ (Victorian heritage council 2017). 

Mark Holsworth (2015) says, ‘The local council intended to have a collection of statues representing British navel heroes to accompany Cook’.

It reminded me of Andrew Hickey’s study of the Billboards which advertised the new QLD suburb of Springfield where he felt, ‘taken together . .  I realised that all these artefacts of Greater Springfield provided a symbolic cultural map for how to live there and behave properly as a resident’(2010, p. 164), ‘a sort of guidebook for living that you read as you drove past’ (2010, p.165). 

The heritage council  say that the Statue ‘represents the emergent nationalism of the Federation period’ - a whole line of statues of ‘England’s worthies’  was pursued as an idea, but  didn't eventuate (victorian heritage council 2017).
On the back of the pedestal is a plaque that lists the crew.

front plaque caption:
CAPTAIN COOK
H.M.S. ENDEAVOUR
August 26th 1768.

plaque caption:

Presented by
Andrew Stenhouse
3rd December 1914


Captain Cook was moved to his present location to make way for a Bicentennial rotunda (Holsworth 2015).

On 25th January 2017 the Captain Cook State had pink paint poured over it and as a protest against Australia Day, (Hinchliffe 2018)

Six months earlier (August 2017) the Captain Cook statue in Sydney’s Hyde Park was spray-painted with the words "No pride in genocide” (Hincliffe 2018, ).

‘The recent vandalism of statues portraying historic figures has brought such monuments into the spotlight and made them the focus of discussion about their role in representing current community values’ (Australian Heritage Council 2017, p. 3), 

References: 
Australian Heritage Council, March 2018,  ‘Protection of Australia’s Commemorative Places and Monuments’, (report), Australian Government, <https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/4474fb91-bd90-4424-b671-9e2ab9c39cca/files/protection-australia-commemorative-places-monuments.pdf>.

Holsworth, M 2015, Melbourne Art Critic (website) https://melbourneartcritic.com/2015/06/17/sculptures-in-catani-gardens/ 

City of Port Phillip, ’St Kilda, Elwood and Ripponlea Memorials and Monuments’ (webpage), https://heritage.portphillip.vic.gov.au/People_places/Heritage_Projects/Memorials_and_monuments/St_Kilda_Elwood_and_Ripponlea_memorials_and_monuments, viewed 17.1.2018


Hinchliffe, J 25.1.2018, Pink paint poured on Captain Cook's statue on eve of Australia Day, The Age, viewed 9.12.2018, <https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/pink-paint-poured-on-captain-cook-s-statue-on-eve-of-australia-day-20180125-p4yyvg.html>.







 The St Kilda War Memorial (Cenotaph)

1925
Sandstone
Architect: Howard Garnet Alsop, assisted by John Carnegies Aisbett
Made by: Corben and Sons 
Sculpture: Paul Raphael Montford

In Catani Gardens on Beaconsfield Parade, near the bottom of Fitzroy Street.

A memorial for the 3000 Men and women who enlisted in World War 1, with 200 of them having sacrificed their lives.There was a competition held for the design and 31 designs were submitted. The site was chosen by counsellors using a ballot. It appears to have been funded entirely by the St Kilda Council. Architect Howard Garnet (G H) Alsop (only 21 years old at the time), assisted by John Carnegie Aisbett. Manufactured by Corben and Sons of Clifton Hill with the. Maquette (modelling of the figures?) by Paul Raphael Montford.

Due to the widening of the lower esplanade, it became dangerous to hold ceremonies at the site, so a new memorial was commissioned in 1984 for Alfred Square (the Catani Gardens one is no longer used for ceremonies).


Caption on top plaque:
THE PATH 
OF DUTY
BE THE WAY 
TO GLORY

Caption on plaque underneath:

To Commemorate those Men and women who served their country and paid the supreme sacrifice during the 1939-45 War.

(for more information see: ‘Catani Gardens: Victorian Database Report’, 2017, viewed online 24.10.2017, vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au), 
St Kilda, Elwood and Ripponlea Memorials and Monuments (webpage), City of Port Phillip, https://heritage.portphillip.vic.gov.au/People_places/Heritage_Projects/Memorials_and_monuments/St_Kilda_Elwood_and_Ripponlea_memorials_and_monuments, viewed 17.1.2018




Memorial to James Bennett
1926
Architect: William H Lacy. 
Manufacturer:HB Corben & Sons. 
Lieutenant James Mallet Bennet, born 1894 in St Kilda was an airman and flying ace. He accompanied Keith and Ross Smith on the world’s first ever flight from England to Australia, as a mechanic. The memorial is stonework with a cast bronze plaque, which features an airforce insignia above a rectangular inscription. 
On the riser of the upper step of the base is inscribed ‘lest we forget’.

References:
 ‘St Kilda, Elwood and Ripponlea Memorials and Monuments’ (webpage), City of Port Phillip, https://heritage.portphillip.vic.gov.au/People_places/Heritage_Projects/Memorials_and_monuments/St_Kilda_Elwood_and_Ripponlea_memorials_and_monuments, viewed 17.1.2018




The Catani Memorial clocktower
1930 (unveiled 1931)
Esplanade, 
Designer: Norman Schefferle
Sculptor : Paul Raphael Montford
Foundray: Alloy Castings Foundry in South Melbourne

Pays homage to Carlo Catani, Italian-born Victorian Public Works Department engineer and landscaper. He was an inaugural member of the St Kilda Foreshore committee (which reclaimed the lands and built the St Kilda foreshore gardens (later named Catani Gardens), completed in 1920? He designed the gardens and worked tirelessly towards their completion. The clocktowers was inspired by the ‘Italian Campanile’ to reflect the birthplace of captain ( Longmire 1989, p.6).
 A bust (designed by  Schedule) on top of an ornamental pedestal, at the foot of the tower, 

Caption reads: 
In honour of
Carl Catani
born 25th April 1852 - Died 20th July 1918
A Great Public Servant
of Victoria 1876 - 1917

There is also a footbridge named after Carlo Catani
Catani arch-  refers to the designer who redesigned the whole foreshore of st kilda laying the grounds for its high use and iconic place, which has led to its success today.
*Add references ( st kilda foreshore guide has good explanation)


Edward O’Donnell memorial fountain
1935
O’Donnell Gardens

Designer and Manufacturer: Modern Art Company Pty. Ltd, Clifton Hill
Engineer: McPherson’s Pty. Ltd.

Designed in memory of Edward O’Donnell was a local government councillor for forty four years and served as mayor of St Kilda six times. O’Donnell gardens are named after him and a fountain was erected ‘to perpetuate’ memory of him.
Funded by public subscription.

‘The Art Deco style hexagonal fountain features a 5 metre diameter circular pool at its base and three griffins atop the piers. The hooded niches on the three side hide water spray jets which originally released fine sprays of water which at night would be illuminated by two amber tinted lights.’ (publicartaroundtheworld.com, viewed 17.1.18)

Inscriptions:

To perpetuate the memory of Councillor Edward
O’Donnell, J.P. whose record of municipal and 
Other community service will always be an
Example of true manhood and ideal citizenship.

Six times mayor of the City of St. Kilda. Forty-four 
years a councillor for the West Ward. Foundation 
member of the St Kilda Foreshore Committee. Died
7th July, 1933.

The second plaque, which was placed after the restoration in (and possibly precipitated by) the bicentennial year: 

Australia
1788 - 1988

An Australian Bicentennial Project to
Commemorate the nation’s bicentenary in 1988.
Opened by
Councillor Elaine Miller
Mayor of St Kilda and Mr Edward Keith O’Donnell,
Grandson of Cr. Edward O’Donnell.
6th Nove, 1988
This project was initiated by the St Kilda
Australian Bicentennial Community Committee
And jointly funded by the City of St Kilda and the
Commonwealth Government.

References:
Monument Australia (website), monumentaustralia.org.au viewed 23.3.17)
’St Kilda, Elwood and Ripponlea Memorials and Monuments’ (webpage), City of Port Phillip, https://heritage.portphillip.vic.gov.au/People_places/Heritage_Projects/Memorials_and_monuments/St_Kilda_Elwood_and_Ripponlea_memorials_and_monuments, viewed 17.1.2018


Vice Admiral Sir William Rooke Cresswell KCMG KBE

1938, 2011
Catani Gardens
A bronze bust,  by sculptor Wallis Anderson, installed in 1938, five years after Cresswell’ death.
It was mounted on Tasmanian red granite.

In the 1970’s the bust was vandalised, removed from its pedestal and later found dumped in the bay. It was put into storage, misplaced (or perhaps stolen and melted down - Holsworth 2015) and Council concluded it was lost.  
The pedestal without the bust was removed repeatedly, once because the road was widened (Holsworth 2015).
In 2011 the bust was reinstated through the initiative of the Victorian Division Navy League of Australia and assistance from Council as part of the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy (Holsworth 2015). ‘An additional copy was made for the HMAS Creswell Naval base at Jervis Bay, NSW’ (Holsworth 2015). The original plaster cast was tracked down and the bronze casting made and affixed to the pedestal.  This was unveiled in 2011. The monument was entrusted to the City of Port Phillip.

caption: 
Vice Admiral
Sir William Cresswell KCMG KBE
Founder of the Australian Navy
Born July 20, 1852
Died Aprill 22, 1933
Erected as a token of
Appreciation of his 
services to australia

By the
victorian branch of the Navy League
Assisted by
The St Kilda Shore Committee
The Royal St Kilda Yacht Club
and many other Australian Admirers

Caption: ( more recent plaque)
Vic Admiral
Sir William Rooke Creswell
KCMG KBE RAN
Father of the Australian Navy
There is also an interpretative plaque


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1950 - 2000 public art and memorial in St Kilda


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