Although PAFF is relatively young, it has already donated a “Fremantle Doctor” weathervane, which now crowns the new Fremantle Sports and Community Centre currently being built on Ellen St.
Fremantle Doctor Weathervane on the new Fremantle Sports and Community Centre roof, Ellen St Fremantle
The weathervane pointer shows a “free mantle” (a mantle is a type of cloak) and a trident (both of which appear on the city’s coat of arms). A doctor runs along the pointer. The shapes at each compass point, explain how visitors can remember their bearings: Hills in the East; Sea in the West; and Antarctica to the South. In the Southern hemisphere the sun rises in the East, goes round to the North (unlike in the Northern hemisphere where the sun goes round to the South), and sets in the West. The sun is shown on the Fremantle Doctor weathervane, to the North.
Public Art for Fremantle Incorporated (PAFF) is creating a labyrinth for Esplanade Park Fremantle, costing up to $12,000.
We’ve already received substantial kind and generous pledges from Fremantle people.
Please join our existing donors contributing to reactivating their city.
A labyrinth is not a maze, which has twists, turns, and blind alleys. It has only one path, and there are no blind alleys. A labyrinth path eventually leads to the centre and out again; the only question is whether to enter or not. Labyrinths invite activity and encourage all ages to participate.
Although the Perth region already has a number of labyrinths, we’ve used the popular labyrinth in Norwich Cathedral in the UK as an example. It’s used every day, and adds to the cathedral’s vibrancy. Imagine how a Fremantle labyrinth would similarly add to this city’s visitor attractions.
Intent walkers on the Norwich Cathedral labyrinth
The Fremantle labyrinth would consist of stone or concrete blocks set in the ground, within a circle approx 10 metres diameter, and may be based on the classical design or another. It’s envisaged that the blocks will be set in turf, and labyrinth walkers will walk on grass; this approach makes the grass easy to cut, and the labyrinth simple to maintain.
Classical Labyrinth Design
PAFF will offer the labyrinth as a gift to the City of Fremantle, to contribute to reactivating the city and enhancing the city’s popularity as a destination with tourists and visitors from Perth.
Fine Print: Although The City of Fremantle is aware of this project, The City is not committed to accept our offer or the labyrinth’s proposed location. If our offer to the City is rejected, we shall approach nearby local councils, or local schools / sporting clubs. We currently progress one project at a time; and any funds raised in excess of those needed for the Fremantle Labyrinth will be applied to future PAFF public art projects and activities.
