A Visit To Geelong Bollards
Bollards are posts available in horizontal or vertical shapes. They are used for providing a barrier in front of parking lots, buildings or sidewalks. Geelong bollards are one of the major attractions in Geelong. They are made from old timber pylons that are torn down from Yarra street pier. These bollards further represent a fun and fascinating chronicle related to the city’s past. They do this by focusing on some unique parts that played a part in the city. The artist Jan Mitchell made these colourful bollards. He was given the responsibility of transforming timbers and piles into these bollards. Being an artist he excelled in the work. Till now people stop by the bollards. Even tourists specially visit Geelong to see these bollards. Jan was commissioned by the government for this work. This blog will give you details about the place and its attractions.
How these bollards were made?
These bollards were created in a huge wool store on the waterfront. This is situated close to Cunningham pier. The timber used for each bollard is pulled from Australian red iron bank or turpentine hardwood. Prop maker and carver Pieter Roos is the one to shape and sculpt the bollards for the very first time.
Further, the artist Jan and her assistant John Starr painted these bollards using the trompe-l’oeil technique. It is a three-dimensional technique. Industrial components also played a part in adornments and additional fixtures.
The fun figures are 2 metres tall. They possess a tactile and interactive appearance. The cheeky sense of humour of the artist Jan can be evidenced in many of her works. Fun activities for kids in Geelong include a spot. Rabbits are loitering around the bollard’s feet in this spot. This scenario represents the introduction of rabbits in 1859 on Christmas day.
Hence, here bollards are used creatively, which made Geelong a very attractive tourist spot. Other than this, You can also evidence stainless steel bollards very commonly in front of shops or banks.
The Geelong Baywalk Bollards
The Geelong waterfront Bollard is another dimension of the foreshore precinct. Many stories have been told about the past culture of the city in the precinct. They represent a whole spread of local characters ranging from the sister of mercy, a Koori family, Nancy natty knickers to Ian Macdonald. He was the surveyor of the city who drew plans for the Eastern Beach complex. Below discussed is some more information related to Geelong.
1. Bathing Tableau
The Bathing Tableau consists of five delightful figures. Out of them, there are two men, one from the 1920s. another from the 1930s. Then there are two women from the 1940s and the 1890s. In the 1950s there is pam. Pam is wearing a pink bathing cap. The cap is decorated with petals. Further, the cap is made from wing nuts. They showcase the change in styles of swimming costumes over the years.
2. Western beach sea bathing co.
This bathing co. was established in the year 1872. The swimmers are also portraits of politician Nipper Trezise, Jeff Kennett, Gordon Sholes and young sir Hubert Opperman.
3. Early Geelong Footballer
This one was formed on the 18th of July, 1859. The Geelong football club is said to be one of the earliest football clubs in the world. The area surrounding this statue was used as a practice ground by the footy players. They used to use it about 100 years ago. Afterwards, the footy players were asked to move on and later this area became Transvaal Square.
4. Fireman Bollard
A public figure was established in Geelong in the year 1869. This fire originate when the tallow was struck by lightning. The clipper was packed with wool. The fire was put out to blaze by the town’s firemen who were privately employed. This bollard is built in the memory of those five firemen who died in the year 1998.
5. Bathing Beauties
These bollards of bathing beauties are created as a simulation of beautiful ladies. These ladies take back to the time when they were held at the eastern beach. These beauty pageants are scowled upon nowadays. But the record shows otherwise. A huge crowd is evidenced surrounding these bathing beauties. People enjoy watching these bollards too as much as other bollards.
6. Nancy Nathy Knickers
This bollard is of a lady. The active lady is a representation of the engineering heritage of Geelong. This heritage began in the year 1869 at the nearby western foundry. The foundry further fabricated velocipedes. During the late 1800s, it was sort of considered taboo for women to wear trousers. However, women were given to wear breeches termed as Nathy knickers. These breeches are similar to the ones lady cyclists used to wear while riding the velocipedes.
Wrapping up
The above discussion might elevate your interest in visiting Geelong. Well, plan your vacation now. And don’t forget to take your camera. The Geelong bollards are a must-see whenever you reach there. If you are looking for a place to do the best free things in Geelong then the magical baywalk trail is the place you are looking for. Take your kids for the hunting for the bollards’ rabbits activities. Geelong is a place where you can visit with your family, friends or close ones. They have a variety to offer, making your visit worth the cost and time.
