A memorial for the deceased Turning Basin on the Yarra
Have you ever observed the five carved-wood figureheads proudly facing the Yarra River at Enterprize Wharf, representing a dragon, woman, bird, man and lion?
To unravel the mystery behind these sculptures, one must travel back in time to the 19th century.
The section along the Yarra River near the corner of Queen and Flinders streets was the focus of Melbourne’s shipping activity.
This spot was the furthest point that ships could navigate up the river. And it was particularly favourable because just below the natural falls, which created a barrier between the salt and freshwater, there was a widening in the river.
The widening enabled vessels to turn around after unloading at the Customs House, which today, houses the Immigration Museum.
Years later, the so-called Turning Basin was filled in. But because of its historic significance, this action needed to be reversed.
In 1996, the Yarra Turning Basin Project was launched. This would recreate the historic Turning Basin and develop a new riverside promenade that would extend the existing spatial design of the river’s northern bank.
On top of that, it was decided that an artwork was needed to celebrate this historic place.
The concept for the site’s public artwork entailed a series of five figureheads, which would sit on wooden piers that were integral to the design and material of the timber wharf.
Four drafts of designs were presented for the concept, with the City of Melbourne’s Public Art and Acquisitions Committee selecting Bruce Armstrong and Geoffrey Bartlett’s so-called Constellation, which was then unveiled in 1997.
They crafted a dragon, woman, bird, man and lion from wood, decorated by metal elements, which depict maritime forms, lines and images, using traditional approaches to the sculpture’s design.
These sculptures evoke a long history of figurehead carving from around the world and reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of those who used the Turning Basin during the early years of settlement.
The ornaments capture the natural suggestions of clouds, the billowing of sails and the movement of wind vanes.
On top of that, the title of this work, Constellation, pays homage to the long history of seafaring, with the stars guiding many a vessel from one port to another. •

Council expands business support service
