ADELAIDE PICKS
PAUL SCOTT
INTRODUCTION
Over recent months I have been walking the streets of Adelaide, camera in hand, in search of historic buildings. They have not been hard to find! The product of these walks can be found at
http://www.paulscott.info/historic-adelaide
But just what is it that characterizes a city like Adelaide? Its setting? Its layout? Its buildings? All of these, of course, but I have been discovering a different set of features – decorations? – which many visitors may remember as they leave South Australia.
I originally listed these under the heading ‘Quirky Adelaide’, but as the project evolved, I felt ‘Adelaide Picks (Pix)’ a more appropriate title.
Of course there is a subjective element as to what might be included here, and I am very happy to hear suggestions from readers of additional ‘picks’ which might be added.
As usual, anyone is free to use the photos which appear here: acknowledgement and a link to this site would be appreciated.
There is a lot of fun around Adelaide city; it deserves to be shared and enjoyed.
Navigating this site ...
Click / tap on one of the above thumbnails to see a larger photo with text.
Click / tap on a stickpin to obtain a map showing the location of the item.
Paul Scott
Original site 2010; reformatted 2023
This bronze figurative sculpture was a gift to the City of Adelaide by the Chairman, Sir Edward Haywood, and Directors of John Martin and Co Pty Ltd. The sculpture was presented to the city by Sir Edward Hayward in 1977.
‘Girl on a slide’ was designed in response to a request from the architect of Rundle Mall, Ian Hannaford, for a ‘discovery piece’ – an artwork that reflected its environment. John Dowie’s crucial contribution to public art in Adelaide is undisputed and this playful work is characteristic of his many works which pay particular attention to the mood of the city.
Adelaide’s central shopping area, Rundle Mall, is home to the sculpture popularly referred to as the Mall’s Balls. The official tile of the sculpture is ‘Spheres’ and it is the work of sculptor Bert Flugelman. The spheres are made of polished stainless steel and each has a diameter of 2.15 metres. The sculpture was commissioned by Adelaide City Council in 1977 for the new Rundle Mall and was donated by the Hindmarsh Building Society to mark the Society’s centenary. The Mall’s Balls are now a popular meeting place: it is surprising how children and foreign visitors are particularly attracted.
4. MALL PIGS
Rundle Mall is home to a bronze sculpture of a group of life-sized pigs, officially known as ‘A Day Out’ by Marguerite Derricourt. The four pigs – Truffles (the standing pig), Horatio (the sitting pig), Oliver (the pig at the bin) and Augusta (the trotting pig) – are depicted in lively poses as if they were walking the street, greeting shoppers, and snuffling out a bargain. There was a public competition to name the pigs.
Christie Walk is a sustainable community located at 101 – 105 Sturt Street, just west of Russell Street, designed by architect Paul Downton together with the residents.The Story Wall is an ‘art book’, in which layers of meaning and artefacts form five strands of colour, texture and style illustrating the aims of the community.
These unexpected flowers in the north Parklands, adjacent to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, are a memorial to the forgotten Australians and wards of the State, by sculptor Craige Andrae.
The plaque at the base reads:
‘In honour of children who suffered abuse in institutional and out of home care. We have grown through awareness and unity. We celebrate our courage, strength and resilience. We are no longer forgotten. Dedicated to the future protection and nurturing of all children. 17th June 2010’
8. PANDAS
The giant pandas Wang Wang and Funi from China are living at the Adelaide Zoo for a ten year stay. It is hoped that they will breed, but they appear to be slow learners [2023]! Entry to see the pandas is by free ticket when paying to enter the zoo. The pandas are very popular, although the zoo has many other adorable animals!
The ‘Popeye’ motor launches offer 40 minute cruises up and down the Torrens Lake in the heart of the City of Adelaide. The cruise departs from the landing stage in Elder Park, travels along the lake to the Torrens Weir, turns around and travels back up the lake to the Adelaide Zoo, then finally returns to the landing stage.
The Central Market is the City of Adelaide's fresh food pantry. It buzzes with life and colour all year round. The range of fresh food is extensive ... fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, gourmet cheeses, cakes and much more. It is memorable for its delicious aromas, vivid colours, and the atmosphere of an international melting pot of cultures.
The birth of the Aboriginal flag occurred in Victoria Square (Tarndanyangga) in July 1971 at a land rights rally. Later during the same year, the Aboriginal flag was flown at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. Today, the Aboriginal flag has come to be a powerful symbol for reconciliation and hope for many indigenous and non-indigenous people throughout Australia.
The Australian flag stands for our freedom and the principles of our society. It expresses our pride and joy in being part of this nation.
Having the two flags flying side by side here brings together both of these ideas, but may also raise unintended questions in the minds of thoughtful people.
Adelaide is home to many historic and ornate buildings, but it is hard to better the Adelaide Arcade which runs between Rundle Mall and Grenfell Street. Built in 1885, it now houses over 100 shops, and retains throughout the ornate embellishments of its distant past. At one time lavish Turkish Baths occupied the south-eastern corner. It is said that the Arcade has its own resident ghost!
The Medina Grand Hotel occupies the old Treasury building built in 1839. Underneath the building are tunnels which were used to safely transport gold and wages to other locations. The tunnels have high-vaulted ceilings and bluestone foundations, plus a smelter (shown) that was used for melting gold bars. They can be visited as part of a tour.
