Sculpture removal gets seal of approval

THE deteriorating seal fountain sculpture and three seal sculptures in Morley will be “sent to heaven”.

The limestone sculptures were designed by artist Vittorio Ulunovich in 1997, who died in March 2019.

It served as entry statements to the Progress Street and Bishop Street precincts.

The fountain was installed at the roundabout between Progress and Bishop streets while the other sculptures were installed at the intersections of Old Collier Road and Bishop Street, Russell Street and Bishop Street, and Progress Street and Walter Road East.

An engineering structural report commissioned by the City of Bayswater found the fountain’s structure had deteriorated due to exposure to elements, ageing materials, wear and tear from normal use, and inadequate maintenance.

A City officer’s report stated there were ongoing public health concerns including the accumulation of stagnant stormwater, algae, breeding of mosquitoes, rubbish and cockroaches.

In light of the health and safety concerns, Bayswater councillors voted 8-3 on February 25 to remove the sculptures and consider spending $100,000 on the removal and for more landscaping in the area as part of the 2020-21 budget process.

The council will ask Galleria Shopping Centre owners Vicinity Centres to contribute to the removal and landscaping.

Councillor Sally Palmer said the council could do better than the seals.

“We need one good statement in Morley,” she said.

“It is time to send them off to heaven.”

Deputy Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said she liked the seals but $100,000 was a lot of money for the removal and landscaping.

“I like the seals but I have been told I have terrible taste,” she said. “I’ll be sad to see them go.”

Cr Steven Otsaszewskyj said he wanted to keep the seals, which celebrated their 23rd birthday on February 25.

“We can get more use out of them,” he said.

“There are people who have asked to do painting or projection shows on the seals. We could do quirky things.”

The removal is expected to start in early 2021.

The City has proposed the fountain be replaced with landscaping, new paving and gardens.