Queensland Womens War Memorial

Public Art : Queensland Womens War Memorial

Sculptor : © Daphne Mayo (1st October 1895- 31st July,1982) also known as Lilian Daphne Mayo

Description : A bas relief panel depicting a military procession and a bronze drinking fountain which is supported by four upturned dolphins (the pagan symbol of salvation). The solemn figures of soldiers and a horse drawn gun carriage were carved into the Helidon sandstone blocks of the Ann Street wall. The solemn images of the relief can be interpreted as either men heading to war or heading to a burial. Above the bas relief is a bronze laurel wreath.

Date Unveiled : The Queensland Womens War Memorial was unveiled by Lady Goodwin, wife of the then Governor of Queensland, on 24th of March, 1932.

Cost : £1,000

Casting of Fountain : A. Martin (New Farm, Brisbane)

Location : 285 Ann Street, Anzac Square, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

History of the Queensland Womens War Memorial : During the late 1920's the Brisbane Women's Club came up with the idea of contributing to a State War Memorial. They appealed not only to women's organizations throughout Queensland but also to women in general, to support the idea. In 1929 they awarded the commission of the memorial to female sculptor Daphne Mayo. The original design was planned to include a bronze panel commemorating women's involvement during war and a waterfall fountain. Neither idea was used due to a shortage of funds and the Depression. Instead the panel was completed in stone and the waterfall became a drinking fountain. Interestingly the panel was changed from  depicting women at war to men at war (rumours were there was some persuading!). The panel now depicts a procession of soldiers surrounded by a horse drawn gun carriage. The carving of the stone was started in August 1931 and completed in February 1932. George Harvey assisted Mayo with some of the stone work.

Interesting Fact : Interestingly, Daphne Mayo carved an effigy of her own brother into the stone. Richard had died in 1925, at the age of 32, from injuries he received during his time on the battle fields.

LEST WE FORGET

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