Sir JJ Talbot Hobbs Memorial

Public Art: Sir JJ Talbot Hobbs Memorial

Sculptor / Architect: © Sculptor Edward Kohler from a design by architect Alex Winning (of Hobbs & Winning).

Date: 1940

Description: The 7m high memorial consists of a 1.4 metres (4ft 6") bronze bust of Hobbs depicted in full military uniform, complete with cap, jacket, Sam Brown belt and his orders and medals. Running down nearly half the length of the sandstone column is an 2.4m (8ft) replica of his ceremonial sword.The bronze cast bust is mounted on a Art Deco style fluted column, made from Donnybrook sandstone all of which sits on a base made from polished Mahogany Creek granite.

Location: Virtually hidden under a small group of Canary Island palms along the extremely busy Riverside Drive in Perth, Western Australia. Odds are you haven't noticed it.

Commissioned By:

History: The Lieutenant General Sir JJ Talbot Hobbs Memorial was the first memorial erected in Perth to commemorate one of Australia’s most distinguished World War I soldiers and one of Western Australian's finest Architects. The Memorial was erected in 1940 following a design competition, which was conducted through the office of the Royal Institute of Architects of WA in 1939. The bronze bust was to be the first bronze statue of its kind to be cast in Western Australia (all casting has previously been done overseas) and it was cast by Premier Engineering Co.

Interesting Facts: The statue plays a significant role in the annual Perth Anzac Day parade, being the point from which the salute is taken, prior to the minute of silence and the playing of ‘The Last Post’ (Kings Park).

The original model of Hobbs (which was in his exact likeness) was changed by sculptor Edward Kohler to conceal Hobbs' "stooped posture and small stature".

The site initially selected for the proposed memorial was in Harper Square (Barrack Square).

The original proposal for a full length statue was not completed due to lack of funds.

The memorial became the biggest cast bronze job to be undertaken in Western Australia at the time.

Some of JJ Talbot Hobbs greatest architectural achievements were the Weld Club (1892), Claremont's Christ church (1892), the Windsor (1895), the Swan Brewery (1897), Royal Hotel (1906), Globe Hotel (1910), Savoy Hotel (1915) and the WA Trustee Building (1927).

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