Summary

Statue titled 'Mercury' modelled by C. Douglas Richardson and cast by W.H. Rocke, circa 1899. It was made for the proprietors of The Age newspaper and stood astride the Age building at 233 Collins Street, Melbourne from 1899-1969. In 1969 it was moved to the Age building on Spencer Street first standing on a platform on the corner of Spencer and Lonsdale Streets and then on the Spencer Street verandah. The statue did not appear to best advantage in either location, and was placed in storage. In 1985 it was lent to the Museum of Victoria for the Story of Victoria exhibition, and was then donated to the Museum in 1997.

The statue was created by the sculptor and painter Charles Douglas Richardson, who was inspired by Giambologna's bronze statue, made in Florence in 1580. It was made of 20 pieces of beaten copper which were riveted together and cast by W.H. Rooke of Melbourne.

Mercury fascinated the citizens of Melbourne when he first appeared on top of the newly renovated Age building in Collins Street, Melbourne, in August 1899. Many were alarmed at the prospect of the first blustery north wind dislodging the statue. The Age assured them that Mercury would not make a sudden descent into Collins Street, as he had a 3-inch steel tube passing from the shoulder, through the body and leg, and embedded nine feet into a stone block in the wall.

Mercury, the Roman messenger god, symbolised the newspaper's role in communication.

Physical Description

Statue of the Roman god Mercury. The statue is about four metres high, and the figure is standing on top of an orb, representing the world, and carrying a lamp. It is made of copper on a steel frame.

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