The much-loved Kings Park Floral Clock has debuted a whole new look with a modern floral makeover from an exciting artist.
Newly fabricated clock hands have been decorated with banksias, red-tailed black cockatoos, and Western Australia’s floral emblem - the red and green kangaroo paw - capturing the natural beauty of local flora and fauna.
Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority Executive Director Alan Barrett said the refurbishment provided a 'timely' reminder of the importance of Kings Park’s Western Australian Botanic Garden.
“The previous Floral Clock jarrah hands were installed in the 1990’s and were expertly restored in 2016 by BGPA staff member John Henson. They had however now come to the end of their serviceable life,” he said.
"In Kings Park we are proud of our native species and we celebrate their special place in our State through our displays and infrastructure.
“Our park is all about celebrating our State. Having talented artist Emma Blyth bring WA’s uniqueness to life on this iconic feature is a great outcome.”
The Kings Park Infrastructure team worked on this project for eight months to design and fabricate the hands and organise the artwork, as well as rebuild the clock gearbox surrounds in stainless steel.
BGPA Director Environment and Infrastructure Stephen Easton said the new aluminium hands were built to last.
“The new hands will be durable through the seasons and offer the fantastic opportunity to display a local artist’s work,” he said.
“The works have not just included new hands, with BGPA steel worker Warren Page rebuilding the gearbox surrounds with stainless steel.
“The internal parts of the clock have also been serviced to keep it ticking along for years to come.”
Artist Emma Blyth is passionate about capturing Australian scenes through her art.
“Kings Park is an amazing park, with a sense of serenity and wide-open spaces filled with interesting pockets to explore. I was so excited and honoured to be asked to create the new artwork for the Floral Clock as it is a very historical feature of the park.”
The surrounding garden will be replanted by the Kings Park horticulture team in July, ready for a spectacular spring display.
Originally unveiled in 1962, Kings Park's beloved Floral Clock was built because of a bequest from Western Australian pastoralist Mr F Wittenoom and has undergone multiple relocations and updates over the decades.
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