Public Art in Central Christchurch

Fitzgerald Statue

Category: Monument / Sculpture Title: Fitzgerald Statue Primary artist(s): Francis Shurrock Execution date: c1936 Unveiling date: 3 February, 1939 Media: Bronze Approximate dimensions: h 5.87m w 1.83m d 1.83m Location: Placed at the end of Cashel Street on Rolleston Avenue Setting: Has a backdrop of trees Owner / administrator: Parks Unit, Christchurch City Council

The Fitzgerald statue was a Christchurch public art work that caused a protracted controversy. James Edward Fitzgerald was the first superintendent of Christchurch. When Richard Green approached the Council about erecting a statue in Fitzgerald's memory their initial response was favourable. Francis Shurrock a master of sculpture at the Canterbury School of Arts was commissioned to produce a sculpture for a site in Latimer Square.

Problems soon surfaced with the relatives of Green. Green's descendants instigated court proceedings, claiming that Green was neglecting the maintenance of his family. Claims were laid that Green was attempting to dispose of his money through the costs of the Fitzgerald statue. The Council received many strongly worded letters from Green's relatives petitioning them to decline the statue. The Council's response was to withdraw its acceptance until an outcome was reached with the court case.

Under the instruction of Green, Shurrock had continued to work on the statue, finished the modelling and had it cast in England. However, when the statue arrived back in New Zealand, the dispute was no nearer conclusion so the statue sat in the customs yard for two years.

Finally after prolonged negotiations it was agreed that the Domains Board would accept the Fitzgerald statue. In a brief ceremony the statue was unveiled on 3 February, 1939. Still the controversy over the Fitzgerald statue continued. The site that was chosen for the statue did not account for the modifications Shurrock had made for it to be viewed in the open space of Latimer Square. Instead the statue received a canopy of foliage. Further debate was aroused over the quality of stone that was used for the plinth.

After the saga of the Fitzgerald statue the Christchurch City Council were wary of repeating the performance and it was some years before another public commission was undertaken.

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