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French Memorial FountainPrint Page 
The fountain commemorates the bicentenary of French exploration in Tasmania. A plaque was added in 2004 to commemorate the re-commissioning of the fountain.
The sculpture itself is actually built out of Huon pine and it represents the bow and the sails of a French ship of that time. The plantings surrounding this sculpture consist of Tasmanian native plants.
Inspired by nature, it is a unique sculpture that captures the essence of water in the landscape and its overall importance to life, while also gently highlighting its functional use by humans in history. It is the only public Huon pine piece created by Mr Walker. The fountain was built into an earlier horticultural feature, an existing pond that surrounded rockwork and a water rill that was established in 1976. The rill was later removed in 2011. The bronze interpretation sign that was also designed by Stephen Walker names the fountain ‘Antipodean Voyage’, however over time it has come to be known as the French Memorial Fountain.
The sculpture was inaugurated by his Excellency the Ambassador for France in Australia, Monsieur Gabriel van Laetham on April 17th, 1972.
Location
| Address: | Lower Domain Road, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Hobart, 7000 |
|---|---|
| State: | TAS |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -42.864157 Long: 147.331112 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Fountain |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Landscape |
| Sub-Theme: | Exploration |
| Approx. Event Start Date: | 1772 |
| Approx. Event End Date: | 1972 |
| Artist: | Stephen Walker A. M. (Hobart, TAS) |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Monday 17th April, 1972 |
|---|
1772 1972
To Commemorate The 200th Anniversary Of The Beginning Of French Exploration And Scientific Discovery In Tasmanian Waters. This Fountain `Antipodean Voyage` Was Inaugurated By His Excellency, The French Ambassador To Australia, Monsieur G. Van Laethem On The 17th April 1972
Presented By The French Community In Australia, The Tasmanian Government, Hobart City Development Association, City Council And Tasmanian Friends Of France.
The Navigators And Their Ships
Marion Du Fresne 1772 Mascarin
Le Jar Duclesmeur Marquis de Castries
Bruni D`Entrecasteaux 1792-3 Recherche
Huon De Kermadec Esperance
Nicolas Baudin 1802-3 Geographe
Eugene Hamelin Naturaliste
Louis De Freycinet Casuarina
This plaque commemorates
the re-commissioning of the
French Memorial Fountain Garden
By The Ambassador Of France
His Excellency Mr Patrick Henault
30 November 2004
