by artist Peter Blizzard
A public commemorative sculpture fountain to mark the Centenary of The Australian Federation | Commissioned jointly by the City of Port Phillip and the west st Kilda Residents Association
On 22 November 2001, sculptor Peter Blizzard and his son Paul, plus a large supporting cast of tradesmen & residents, erected Bay Totem at the intersection of Mary & Loch Streets. That day marked the culmination of a two-and-a-half year journey by the Association and co-commissioner City of Port Phillip.
It all began in July 1999 when WSKRA Secretary Jeff Penberthy circulated a 22-page presentation proposing the project, with a ballot form canvassing support for a Federation grant application and alternative sites. Jeff had already gained support from local representatives at all levels of government and the ballot revealed overwhelming community support for the project. Jeff submitted the grant application, and the Association succeeded in securing a $25,000 grant. A project committee was chaired by our dear departed friend Irving Saulwick, while Jeff Penberthy took on the huge job of managing the project.
The Committee proved the project viable after several months juggling artistic debate with a fundraising drive. With the support of our Councillors, the City of Port Phillip agreed to become co-commissioner, largest donor and eventual owner of the work.
The creative brief was issued in August 2000. Of the many proposals submitted, the three artists shortlisted were invited to create a maquette. The three models spent some time on public display. Peter’s design was the clear popular favourite.
INSTALLATION DAY
22 November 2001
THE COMMISSION
Invites artists to submit concepts for a sculpture fountain that both meets the commemorative aspect of Federation and blends harmoniously with a spectacular yet sensitive environment. It is envisaged that the proposed installation should be enduring and provide a new icon of historical and cultural significance to the City of Port Phillip and greater Melbourne.
The aim of this project is to mark one hundred years of Australian nationhood around a theme that may be described as ‘emerging together’ – a concept equally relevant to Australia in the next one hundred years as we tackle the remaining tests of tolerance and reconciliation. The water element symbolic of continuity and an ongoing process of calmness and healing.
In developing this theme artists may wish to consider Federation in its broadest context: how do we view it, what does it mean to us? How to describe in visual terms what came out of this era – an upsurge of new ideas and international influences, a wider recognition of the hemisphere in which we live, or a re-affirmation of our own national identity?
Alternatively, we may see this process in human terms: as a new beginning, to give us an occasion to review our history and challenge attitudes to Indigenous cultures and to successive immigrant groups. It may also be a spiritual journey, contemplative and reassuring of our ability to connect, change and evolve over time.
COMMISSIONING DAY
9 December 2001
Photos and captions from Jeff Penberthy, WSKRA Founding Secretary
Peter Blizzard, the artist, wife Liz Blizzard and Jeff Penberthy on the street divider listen while Deputy Premier & local resident John Thwaites and WSKRA Fountain Committee President the late Irving Saulwick gave the speeches. Also in the photo, in pink and red, are George and [late] Marg, who ran the former Victoria House B&B on the same block in Mary Street.
Jazz trio –friends of Peter Blizzard who himself was a talented jazz musician–perform from the balcony of what was then Heikki and Penny Minkinnenen’s Fountain Terrace B&B on the roundabouts’ north-east corner, by the fountain.
West St Kilda residents attending the Bay Totem Commissioning Day street party.