Community Campaign Begins to Reinstate Iconic Sculpture

The iconic sculpture before it was destroyed. Photo: Chris Abbott

The campaign to Save our Sea Nymphs sculpture is moving into top gear.

The iconic Manly sculpture was damaged beyond repair in a storm last June.

Late last year a group of artists and local residents teamed up to recreate the iconic piece, but this time in beautiful, long-lasting bronze. The group is working closely with Helen Leete, the sculpture's creator, and Clive Calder from Australian Bronze gallery and foundry at North Head,  who will be responsible for casting the new figures.
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Good for Manly President Candy Bingham, as the group's director of fundraising, has been working hard to gain the support of the Northern Beaches Council and the Federal Government's Australia Cultural Fund. 

"The council has really come on board with our campaign, Mrs Bingham said.  "They have pledged to match our fundraising dollar for dollar up to $40,000, which is half of the amount that we need to raise. This is a huge endorsement of our community fundraising campaign.

"And I'm delighted to say that just this week the Australian Cultural Fund approved our application. That means that donations to Save Our Sea Nymphs are now tax deductible via our website www.saveourseanymphs.info."

As well sculptor Helen Leete is creating miniatures of her artwork for sale to assist the fundraisng. They will also be cast in bronze and will be available in limited numbers in two sizes –  a 50 cm version for $,6000 and a 23 cm  one for $4,000.  

The campaign will be kicked off with an invitation-only launch at Australian Bronze. It will be held in early March, with a guest speaker, a spectacular bronze pour, and the miniature sculptures on display for purchase.

For more details or to make a contribution go to: www.saveourseanymphs.info
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(Our thanks to  local photographer, Chris Abbott, for his inspired photos of the sculpture in its former glory)

Sea Nymphs at Sunrise. Photo: Chris Abbott