STATUARY GIFT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 614, 16 March 1929, Page 6

STATUARY GIFT

Magnificent Group for Auckland FOUNTAIN OF VALKYRIES Auckland is to become the richer by a line piece of modern statuary, “The Fountain of Valkyries,” which is being presented by Mr. R. S. Hellaby, the Auckland artist now living in London. The work of Gilbert Hayes, the eminent British sculptor, bronze has been used to good effect to depict a traditional armour-clad valkyrie riding through the air on the top of a globe and sounding a call to brave warriors. Valkyries in the nude on more dashing steeds are shown in relief on the four sides of a white marble pedestal supported by bronze gargoyles. Much attention lias been paid to detail, particularly In tho bronze. The fountain is seven feet high, the base being three feet by two feet six inches. Recent improvements in the Domain impressed Mr. Hellaby on his lasfvisit to Auckland, and he desired that his gift shouid be placed in the Domain. I lie Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, believes that the City Council will not hesitate to fall m with the donor’s wishes. Mr Baildon suggests that the winter garden would make a suitable background for the statuary. The fountain could be based on grey or other coloured stone

Recalling tho generosity of Aucklanders living abroad, Mr. Baildon said : “One thinks especially of the gifts which Mr. Moss Davis has made. Then we had the splendid gift of the i vl nter gardens and pergola inspired by Mr. William Elliot, and now we have the fountain from Mr. Hellaby. I know all sections of the community will with me in tendering appreciation of such munificence.”