El Alamein Fountain...
Written: 17th Mar 2010 | Last Updated: 17th Mar 2010
One of the things that entranced my father most about Sydney during an exploratory visit in 1961 (before we moved there, en famille, in 1962) was the elegant, newly installed fountain that graced Fitzroy Gardens in Kings Cross by Macleay Street. So appealing was this dandelion-shaped design it simply took his breath away, and convinced him that if a city was modern and adventurous enough to embrace such innovative public sculpture, it must be a city embarking on greatness.
The result of an architectural competition, the El Alamein Fountain (honouring the 2/9th Division of the A.I.F.) became an instant sensation, and was even considered a masterpiece by many. Whether softly spraying by day or spectacularly illuminated by night, its graceful natural shape mesmerised passers-by, and it soon became (and remains) a popular meeting spot for friends, lovers and colourful eccentrics “up the Cross”.
Its creator, Sydney-born architect, armourer, metallurgist and Empire Games athlete Robert Woodward, subsequently inspired many others, as clones of his fountain began popping up in various cities around the world. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, or so they say!
Whether Alvar Aalto, in whose studio Woodward worked for two years, could be considered a primary inspiration for the El Alamein is up for argument, but the fact remains that it is a truly fine work, one that looks as fresh today as it did upon completion.
I was sad to learn today that Robert Woodward died on February 21st at the age of 86. While he created many well-known structures, his lively El Alamein fountain will always be The One.
Page: 1
Thinking About...
Creative
Current
Good Life
Travel
Passion
Philosophy
Nature
Life's Treats
Life's Tricks
Milestones
Your Say/Your Say
itomic