Clean up of graffiti on Firefighters’ Sculpture and Reserve

27 January 2003

Graffiti discovered this morning on the Firefighters Memorial Sculpture and Reserve at the corner of Madras and Kilmore streets is being removed by the City Council. As well as the sculpture, the bridge and bluestone pavers on the Firefighters’ Reserve walkway alongside the Avon River were defaced.

City Care is managing the process of removal of graffiti on behalf of the Council. Most of the graffiti has already been removed from the bridge and the artwork, and work is progressing on the pavers. City Care will engage a contractor with experience in dealing with graffiti on bluestone, which is quite porous.

The artwork was created by sculptor Graham Bennett using steel from the World Trade Centre, gifted by New York City to Christchurch for commemorative use.

Parks & Waterways Manager Anne Greenup said that the creation of a new park to coincide with the Firefighters’ Games in October last year was the catalyst for an artwork dedicated to firefighters. “Graham Bennett’s sculpture, using steel from the World Trade Centre gifted to Christchurch by New York City, represents the risk that firefighters take in the course of their duties. Firefighters have been lost in events such as the bushfires in Sydney and California over the years, as well as the World Trade Centre.”

“In fact a Christchurch City Council ranger left for Australia yesterday, to join the firefighting efforts against the bushfires raging over there. The Firefighters’ Sculpture acknowledges that sort of dedication and courage the world over.”

For more information, contact: Anne Greenup, Parks & Waterways Manager, phone 941-8701

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