8 July, 2010

Media Release
For immediate distribution

Work begins on new home for Mountain Fountain

Terry Stringer’s sculpture to be unveiled at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell in September

Work begins at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell on Monday July 12 to prepare the new home of Terry Stringer’s Mountain Fountain sculpture, one of Auckland’s best known public art works.

A blessing ceremony will be held at 10.15am, Monday 12 July to celebrate the breaking of the site.

“With this Blessing, we will acknowledge the arrival of what will be a significant symbol for the people of Parnell and the community of Holy Trinity Cathedral,” said The Venerable Howard Leigh, Precentor of Holy Trinity Cathedral.

“Given the stature of this art work and its central location, we envisage Mountain Fountain will become a new gathering place for people to meet in Parnell,” he said.

The iconic Mountain Fountain sculpture was removed from Aotea Square in October 2008, ahead of the square's redevelopment. Working closely with the sculptor, Terry Stringer, Auckland City Council explored a number of possible new locations for the artwork. The new site was chosen following public consultation and liaison with Terry Stringer, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Advisory Panel for Public Arts (APPA).

In its new Parnell home, Mountain Fountain will be perfectly integrated within the Cathedral’s forecourt, with the sculpture’s form complementing the established architecture of the cathedral and forecourt design. In this prominent location, Mountain Fountain will be close to the site originally intended for a public artwork by Holy Trinity’s architect, Professor Toy. Mountain Fountain will be highly visible from Parnell Road and St Stephens Avenue. Water will flow down the two sides of the sculpture facing the forecourt and St Stephen's Avenue.

Work starts to prepare the site on Monday July 12. The sculpture will be moved to its new location in August and Mountain Fountain will be ready for its official unveiling in early September.

Holy Trinity Cathedral and Auckland City Council, together with Parnell Inc., the association of Parnell businesses, will be unveiling Mountain Fountain with a celebration ceremony, including a community concert, to be held at 5pm, Sunday, September 12, 2010.

ENDS

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