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Statues and sculptures

Designed with the European Picturesque garden style in mind, Centennial Park originally featured 31 statues, most of which are now lost. Subject matter ran the gamut of allegorical and mythological works, International political leaders and authors.

Although the majority of the original works are now lost due to a combination of theft, vandalism, weathering and accidental damage, a few remain. Among them is the recently restored, life-size statue of author and advocate for social and economic improvement for the working class, Charles Dickens.

The Dickens statue is one of only three in the world and was lost for nearly 40 years until it was discovered beheaded in the Sydney suburb of Rozelle. The statue was restored and returned to Centennial Park in 2012.

Where did all the statues go?

The location of a handful of the 'missing' statues is known but many have disappeared without a trace! Rumours of thefts in the night and WWI burials under the levee banks of the Park's ponds are rife. If the Dickens statue is any indication, time will tell some remarkable tales.

Charles Dickens statue

Thought to have been sculpted by Job Hanson circa 1891, Centennial Park’s Charles Dickens Statue is one of only three in the world. Dickens believed Australia was a utopia for working class migrants.

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Duck sculpture

The Duck Sculpture, which forms part of Centennial Park’s Wetlands Interpretative Maze, was designed by Jane Cavanough of Artlandish. The sculpture was created using recycled sandstone, gravel, steel and timber.

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Griffins

Originally placed near Centennial Park’s Paddington Gates in the 1890s, the ceramic Villeroy and Boch Griffins languished in storage for 30 years, until they were restored and reinstalled in 2005.

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Hand Upon Hand

Located near the Centennial Parklands Restaurant on Banksia Way, Landscape Architect, Gillian Smart’s Hand Upon Hand explores the concept of Federation and multiculturalism in Australia.

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Kippax Lake statue

Situated in the centre of Moore Park’s Kippax Lake, near Allianz Stadium and the SCG, Diana Hunt’s Fountain and Sculpture (1967) is a celebration of the achievements of Australian sportswomen.

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Sandstone Columns

Centennial Park’s Rose and Column Gardens feature two sandstone Corinthian columns salvaged from the Australian Museum. The Villeroy and Boch statues, Sunrise and Sunset (1888) sit on top.

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Sir Henry Parkes

A sculpture of Sir Henry Parkes was installed in his ‘People’s Park’ in 1897. It was removed due to vandalism in 1970 and replaced with the existing bronze by sculptor, Alan Somerville in 1996.

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We Won (The Footballer)

Sydney sculptor, Tommaso Sani was commissioned to create We Won, also known as The Footballer in the 1880s. Sani was known for his embellishments of buildings and his satirical, naturalistic style.

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Lost statues

Historically, Centennial Parklands was awash with statues, as was the style in a Picturesque park. Many were lost as a result of a combination of age, deterioration, vandalism or accidental damage.

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