Eve Lamb
Castlemaine’s botanical gardens have a new feature … and if you think you’ve seen it somewhere else before then you’re spot on.
Ever since it was created back in 2009 by local artist Zoe Amor, the striking bronze sculpture, Dusk, has graced the portico at the front of Castlemaine Art Museum in Lyttleton Street.
But with the museum now to undergo significant renovation works as part of its master plan redevelopment project, the eye-catching piece has now been loaned to Mount Alexander Shire Council, which last week had it duly installed in the leafy surrounds of the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens.
Carefully lowered by crane onto its specially made Harcourt granite plinth, positioned just north of the children’s playground area, Dusk immediately looked right at home in its new showcase surrounds.
“It means a huge amount on so many levels,” Amor said as she watched the relocation process alongside stonemason David Pratt who made the plinth on which Dusk rests, and caster Craig MacDonald who was responsible for casting the work that was commissioned back in 2009 by Cherry Tennant in honour of artist and poet Frank Mau 1925 – 2007.
“It’s been five years in the process from the time it (the relocation) was first discussed,” Chewton-based Amor told the Express as she watched the sculpture settle into its new home where it’s now expected to remain for at least the next five years.
The council’s cultural development officer Vicki Anderson said the long-term loan was expected to be for five to 10 years.
“It’s long been on the back burner as an opportunity for the community enjoy a public artwork in the garden,” she said.
Mount Alexander Shire team leader for the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens and urban horticulture, Sandra Hodge, said being able to showcase Dusk in the gardens was “a real honour”.
“It’s a long-term loan and a wonderful gift for our visitors,” she said.
