Why does the dolphin sculpture rotate?
The original concept in 2000 was for a static sculpture at another location within the Hillarys Boat Harbour precinct.
During 2004 however, a decision was made to redevelop the inner harbour area and the present site was made available. At this time it was also decided that the wishing well would be enhanced - and this resulted in a new design with a round stainless steel base, together with a coin operated mechanism allowing the one tonne dolphin sculpture to rotate.
Monies raised from donations at the site are now widely used to fund a variety of worthy projects in our local community.
The Sculptors
The generous support, patience and creative efforts of internationally acclaimed sculptors Joan Walsh-Smith and Charles Smith over almost a decade of work are gratefully acknowledged.
In the finished work the dolphins appear poised – “jumping in joy and ready to return to the ocean”. Their eyes are engaging and there is a perceived happiness about their presence. In the changing daylight the dolphins’ features take on different perspectives, while at night there is soft ambient lighting which brings out yet another aspect of their time at the Hillarys Boat Harbour.
The bronze casting was moulded at the Smith’s Gidgiegannup studios east of Perth where all of their memorial, commemorative and public art works have been created. Visitors to Perth can also view their other works including –
- Kangaroos on the Terrace - outside Council House
- Perth Percy Buttons – Hay Street Mall
- Perth Memorial to the Migrant Children – Maritime Museum
- Fremantle John Curtin Memorial – Kings Square
- Fremantle HMAS Sydney 11 Memorial – Geraldton
To view more examples of the Smiths’ creativity both here and overseas, visit their website at www.smithsculptors.com
The Engineers
The final design engineering, fabrication, and on-site installation of the wishing well was undertaken by DSM Consulting Engineers of Willetton, Western Australia, and was aided by generous support from the local and business community.
Incorporated in the wishing well is an advanced computer controlled electro-mechanical drive system that is sensitive to load and winds, allowing the dolphins to rotate safely and at varying speeds. The glass bead blasted stainless steel moat section of the wishing well can be elevated by actuators for inspection and servicing; constant water levels are maintained and purified by a pump and filter system, and the entire dolphin structure – weighing almost a tonne – is fixed to a stainless plate which rotates on a sealed bearing.
In addition, there are two coin operated activation controllers, allowing the dolphin sculpture to rotate when 1 X $A2, or 2 X $A1 gold coins are inserted.
Hillarys Boat Harbour
Hillarys Boat Harbour is a marina and tourist precinct located in Hillarys, north of Perth, Western Australia and on the Indian Ocean.
Hillarys Boat Harbour was the first such major marina in the north metropolitan region of Perth. Construction of the new Harbour commenced in September 1985. Boat launching facilities were completed in October 1986 and boats started moving into pen moorings two months later, just before the start of the 1987 America's Cup Challenge Series.
The facility has been extensively upgraded during 2008 to incorporate a new boardwalk, tavern and retail outlets. A feature of this upgrade is a drawbridge arrangement to allow boats to be moored inside the network of boardwalks.
Hillarys is also home to AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia which showcases the marine life and unique regions of Western Australia's 12,000km coastline. The aquarium is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Other attractions in and around the harbour include a waterslide and putt-putt course as well as fishing charters & cruises.
