Wynyard and Town Hall

A walk around Wynyard and Town Hall with Photography Meetup. 

Hyde Park, St Marys Cathedral and surrounds

I was late and missed my Photography Meetup Group so went straight to Hyde Park, one of the stops on their route, and did my own photography until they arrived. Then onto a nice pub for lunch.

Interesting facts about the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park

• The central figure is Apollo, the Greek god of light and music, with water jets radiating around him like sunbeams.
• Commissioned by Jules François Archibald to celebrate the Australia–France alliance in World War I, and sculpted in Paris by renowned French artist François‑Léon Sicard.
• Each statue—Apollo, Artemis, Theseus, Pan—symbolizes themes like beauty, strength, heroism, and the natural world.
• The water jets were designed to mimic the rays of the rising sun, reinforcing Apollo’s symbolic role.
• A rare Australian example of Art Deco public sculpture, blending classical mythology with 20th-century aesthetics.
• The fountain was cast in bronze in Paris and shipped to Sydney in 16 separate crates.
• Opened in March 1932, just two weeks before the Sydney Harbour Bridge, marking a grand civic moment for the city.
• The turtles and dolphins at the base spout water add whimsical touches to its grandeur.
• Early lighting and water effects were cutting-edge for the time, later restored to preserve their brilliance.
• Positioned along the central axis of Hyde Park, linking St Mary’s Cathedral and the ANZAC Memorial in a symbolic line of beauty, memory, and light.

Revisiting St Georges Cathedral where I sang in the choir

I spent a wonderful time in the cathedral, reminiscing about my choir days and listening to the sublime music sung by an opera singer who happened to be practising at the same time. So beautiful, it moved me to tears.  It reminded me of one of the first spiritual experiences I ever had - one that I had as a young choir boy here at the cathedral.

Some facts about St George's Cathedral

• Oldest cathedral in Southern Africa, founded in 1901 with the laying of the foundation stone by the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V).
• Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, the cathedral features classic neo-Gothic architecture and was constructed using Table Mountain sandstone.
• Known as the “People’s Cathedral” due to its central role in South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
• Archbishop Desmond Tutu used the cathedral as a base for non-violent protest, prayer meetings, and political activism during apartheid.
• Famous for its Peace Marches, which began on its steps and drew national and international attention to the apartheid regime.
• Home to a renowned choir and hosts frequent concerts, contributing to Cape Town’s cultural life.
• Contains beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings, including a stunning Rose Window.
• A symbol of spiritual resilience and social justice, it remains an active place of worship and civic engagement.
• Located in the heart of Cape Town, near Parliament and Company’s Garden, making it a prominent historic landmark.