Adelaidean (Spring/Summer 2015 edition) | Page 22

COLLECTIONS JOHNSON BUILDING GARDEN 1. Continuum (1974) Stainless steel work by sculptor Herbert (Bert) Flugelman, who is well known to Adelaideans for The Spheres (“the Rundle Mall’s Balls”), and Tetrahedra on the Adelaide Festival Centre forecourt. Continuum, which reflects the artist’s interest in fundamental geometric forms, was a gift to the University of Adelaide on its centenary by Flinders University. NORTH TERRACE 1. 2. Sir Walter Watson Hughes statue (1906) Hughes’ donation of £20,000 resulted in the establishment of the University of Adelaide in 1874. This bronze statue on a granite pedestal was presented to the University by the Hughes family. The larger-than-life work commands a place of prominence outside the Mitchell Building. GOODMAN CRESCENT 3. Sir Thomas Elder statue (1903) Gifted to the University by public subscription upon Elder’s death, this bronze sculpture outside Elder Hall stands in honour of the university’s most generous benefactor. Elder’s gifts totaled around £100,000 – a staggering amount in the 1800s – helping to create academic positions in science, medicine and mathematics and establishing the Elder Conservatorium of Music. Reconciliation Touchstone (2007) Unveiled during Reconciliation Week, this reconstituted red granite work features imprints of handshakes. The imprints were a result of a Handshake Ceremony on North Terrace campus – around 120 people came together and a dental plaster was placed inside their clasped hands. The resulting forms are embossed with the traces of individual palms bonded together as a symbol of the University’s commitment to reconciliation. 22 ADELAIDEAN 4. ART AT OUR HEART AROUND EVERY CORNER AT THE NORTH TERRACE CAMPUS, STUDENTS, STAFF AND VISITORS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE CAN FIND WORKS OF ART ON PUBLIC DISPLAY. Many have been donated to the University, helping to enhance the campus environment and its culture. Here are some examples of what visitors can expect to see, among them works created by famous artists.