Governor Phillip Fountain

As we continued on our public art walk with Dr Nicholas Hardwick we viewed this spectacular fountain in honour of our first Governor, Captain Arthur Phillip.

The fountain was commissioned by Sir Henry Parkes as part of the 1888 Centennial celebrations but it wasn't finished until nearly a decade later. Originally expected to be completed in 4 years by sculptor Achille Simonetti, it was plagued with issues from interfering politicians, not only changing what it should look like but Governor Dibbs putting a halt to entire project for a year.

It consists of a Carrara marble pedestal upon which a bronze statue of  Governor Phillip stands with  3 relief panels representing Justice, Patriotism and Education.

Around the pedestal are 4 reclining figures made of bronze of Neptune, Cyclops, Agriculture and Commerce. Between these 4 figures are giant clam shells featuring four bronze prows of ships which feed the water into the white marble basins.

                                                  
                                                                                  Commerce

                 
                                                                      Agriculture

                                                                       Cyclops - representing Mining

                                                              Neptune - representing Navigation

The fountain was unveiled by Lord Hampden on the 22nd June 1897 on the celebration of the 60th year of the reign of Queen Victoria. A truly magnificent tribute to a great man.