Waipā Public Art

Outdoor
Fred Graham Fountain of Birds

Fountain of Birds

Fred Graham

Artwork details

Date 1971
Medium  Stainless steel
Physical description Large water fountain with 12 steel manu bird sculptures raised above the water in flight. It is situated within a large circular water fountain lined with bricks.

Description

The Rose Gardens were opened in 1969, this sculpture was presented to Te Awamutu Borough Council by the Te Awamutu Beautifying Society in October 1971.

The artist Fred Graham is a Tainui kaumatua of Ngāti Korokī Kahukura descent. He is a world-renowned carver and an inspiring mentor who has shared his knowledge and skills with many Aotearoa New Zealand artists.

Fred Graham has a number of artworks around the Waipā District and is well known for his big outdoor metal and mixed media work like “Kaitiaki” outside the Auckland War Memorial Museum and “Te Waka Taumata o Horotiu” on High Street in Auckland central.

Location

Te Awamutu Rose Gardens near the corner of Arawata Street and Gorst Ave.